I recently asked real estate agents across the country how the higher gas price was affecting their business.  The responses showed that it is certainly impacting how business is conducted. Agents now put more effort in mapping out their route for a home tour to save on  gas.

If both buyer and agent work together as a team the pain can be lessened while at the same time not compromising quality of service.

So here are a few tips.

• Today most consumers start their real estate search on the internet because of the availabilty of multiple listing and for sale by owner properties.  Along with the property information you can also find virtual tours and videos giving you a good feel for the property.
• When you decide to work with a real estate agent look for a Buyer's Agent to have your interest represented.
• Don't expect the agent to come running because you saw a yard sign.  It is a proven fact that the call does not usually result in the sale of that home.  Outside it might appeal to you but might lack the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you require.
• Be prepared to sit with the agent for a consultation - think of it this way, if you went to the doctor you would want him to ask you questions to discover your problem before starting a course of treatment so why would you expect a real estate agent to find you a house before finding out what your needs are?
• It will also be important for you to be pre-approved by a financial institution.  At the time of your consultation if you have not already contacted a mortage company your agent can give you the name of several companies with good track records to interview for your mortgage.
• From the consultation your agent will set up a search for you to receive automatic emails when properties matching your criteria come on the market.  From some websites you will be able to setup and save your own search.
• Work with your agent to narrow the search. Don't expect the agent to cover three counties.  Try to determine what is important to you in an area.
• When planing to meet your agent for a home tour please give the agent advance notice so the tour can be property mapped out for the most efficient use of time and gas.  Don't expect to look at 20 houses; with proper communication with your agent narrow the search to under 10 houses. 
• It is always my recommendation that prior to making the appointment to see the inside of the house, you, as the buyer, drive by each home to see if you would really want to live in the area. I realize that this sometimes may not be possible for buyers coming from out of town. However,  I have found that by doing this the search is  narrowed down to a few homes and usually an offer is made on one of the remaining few.

IF YOU ARE READY OR A CONSULTATION CALL:

Jennifer Fivelsdal  - Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jfivelsdal@hvc.rr.com