Over the years I have bought 6 homes and sold 4. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a realtor to work with to help you buy your first, or next home.
1. Lay out your expectations, and see if you and the realtor are well matched. If not, find another one. It is important to have realistic expectations. Don't expect them to show you 50 houses.
2. Exclusive buyer agent contracts are fine, a good idea actually, but do your homework before signing one. How available is the realtor? Will she/he show me homes that just come on the market, or only those that fit a specific price range or home style or location? If you know exactly what your looking for, a narrow search may be warrented, but if your just looking for a home big enough for your family at a good price, you should have the opportunity to see a good selection, with various parameters.
3. Experience is important. Check on-line for reviews and talk to friends and relatives to see which Realtor they used, and what the result was.
4. The realtor should be on top of current technology. If he/she is truly old school, that's fine if you want to look at all the homes in the MLS book. If, however, you want an 11pm text when that home you liked, which had an offer on it, fell through and is now available, electronic communication is quicker and more dependable.
5. Your realtor should suggest that you put a 14 day Home Inspection contingency in the purchase agreement. Some, won't and others will suggest 10 days. Usually, 10 days is not enough if the home is vacant because utilities must be turned on. You should personally choose the Inspector, and do your homework carefully. Anyone else suggesting which Inspector to use, especially if they have a financial stake in the purchase, may. or may not find you the best inspector. Do this part yourself.
6. One last thing, Good buys come and go. They are not often available, so be ready when they come.
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving weekend!!!
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