As a buyer you have the same rights to representation as a seller. When selling, you do not hesitate to hire a professional for their expertise, knowledge and representation in handling the sale of your property. So why wouldn't you feel the same way about hiring a professional when buying? - To represent your needs in purchasing a property.
First you must find a Realtor in the area you are looking to purchase. Ask friends and family about their experiences, get on the Internet and research different agents, Active Rain is a great way to find agents throughout the nation and by reading their profile and blogs, you can get an idea of how they handle business and ultimately, how they would handle their customers' needs. Your agent must know the area; good agents will know the inventory (properties currently for sale) in their own market area and will supply maps for their customers moving from a different city.
Secondly, interview agents and pick one. If you expect your agent to go out of their way for you and give you loyalty, you must do the same for them. If you don't commit to one person, no one will commit to you. Buying a home in a buyer's market can be extremely frustrating because of the amount of inventory, there is a lot to choose from, and if the word gets around, agents will not take you seriously.
Just last week, an agent brought a couple to see one of our listings. The next day, a different agent brought the same couple to our same listing. I looked at the couple and asked, "Oh, you are working with both ___________ and ___________, I didn't know they worked together". The second agent had no idea that the couple had already seen that property and had no idea they had been working with another agent.
How could this scenario affect you as a buyer? You wasted your time and saw a property twice and both agents now will feel there is no loyalty and may not show you as many properties as you may want to see, since no commission is guaranteed to them, and may even fire you. I know that's a strong word, but imagine the frustration of wasting hours and days to someone that could ultimately not purchase a property through you. Realtors need to make a living too.
Once you find a property and have an executed contract is where the fun begins. Your agent should keep you informed of deadlines for deposits, inspections, appraisals, walk-through, etc. The agent should coordinate the transaction with all parties involved including communication with the selling agent to grant access to the property.
When buying - The best route is to be honest, upfront, loyal and committed. Please keep in mind that if you do not like your agent's ways, it is also acceptable to dimiss them. Communication is the key to a successful buying experience.
Good Luck finding a home and look us up for all you Miami, South Florida Real Estate needs. http://www.yourpropertypros.com/ www.miamism.com
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