Having a Buyer's Agent represent you in the finding and purchase of your next home is a very important decision. They represent ONLY your wants and needs - not the Sellers wants and needs. They can be a vital asset to you when looking for and buying your next home.

Read Also: Top 5 Benefits of Having a Buyer's Agent Represent You

(Not all states actively promote or support Buyers Agent representation. However, Colorado is a state that does.)

However, please don't just hire the first agent you meet without asking them a few very important questions.
A good Buyer's Agent should never shy away from answers, nor avoid any questions. A good Buyers Agent will be completely honest - even if it means that their answers may cause you to choose a different agent.

Read Also: 3 Easy Ways To Find Your Next Buyer's Agent

Here is a list of the 7 Must-Ask Questions You Should ALWAYS ask a when interviewing a potential Buyer's Agent:

1. How do you find houses that I may want to look at? Do they have multiple sources? Or do they only rely on the MLS?
2. How much notice do you need if I want to look at a home? (This gives you an idea of how busy they are. Too busy? This may not be a good match for you.)
3. How many clients are you actively working with? Now, keep in mind that different agents have different capacities and comfortability zones, but too many clients may be a sign that you will not get the attention you deserve.
4. How long have you lived in this area? How long have you been doing real estate in this area? (These questions will give you a great idea of how well they really know the housing market in the areas that you are interested in.)
5. Would you represent me if I decide I want to buy a FSBO?(Some agents are bound by their company policies NOT to engage in the sale of a FSBO. Some agents refuse to just because they may not get paid. It is up to you to determine how you feel about their response.)
6. When I find a home that I want to buy, how much contact will you have with me throughout the contract process? How will you maintain contact? (Again, it is up to you to determine how you feel about these answers.)
7. Will you give me some of your commission back after close? (This is completely illegal. If they say that they would do this, then RUN ... run far, far away! If they are willing to do something illegal right out of the gate, then what other shady things will they do that you may never know of?)

Ultimately, you need to find a Buyer's Agent that you are comfortable with and confident in. These questions were designed to help you find that comfortability and confidence level.

Posted by: Mariana Wagner - ‘Springs Realty Scoop - Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate