No, I'm Sorry, I Won't Show You That House!

No, I'm Sorry,  I Won't Show You That House!

Many times I get phone calls from perspective buyers on my listings that want to take a look. And many times I tell them NO!

Are You Working With An Agent?

First, I ask if they are working with an agent, if they say, "yes," then I tell them to call their agent.  Sometimes the buyers get angry and assume since it's my listing I should show them. However, I don't think their agent would appreciate my being the procuring cause - which means I would get the commission if I showed them the house and they put in an offer! If you have an agent they are the one you need to call for ANY listing that you see, no matter who the property is listed with. A buyer should not call any other agent besides the one that is representing them- EVER! If you are a buyer and go into an "open house" or a new home sales office be sure to tell the agent there that you already have an agent you are working with. You need to be honest with everyone. 

Are You Pre-Qualified?

After I have determined that the buyer isn't working with a real estate agent, I still don't show them the house!  I then ask them if they have been pre-qualified. If not, I urge them to do so and even offer some names of mortgage brokers if they need someone.  Why do you need to be pre-qualified? Well, you definitely want to know how much this new house will cost you.  Even though you may qualify for a purchase price of $300,000 you may really only afford a purchase price of $250,000.  I don't want my buyers to look at something they can't have. As little as $20,000 can be an extreme difference in the type of home that they get.  If the buyer is pre-qualified, I then schedule an appointment to meet in person.  "Meet with you? I just want to look at this house!"  I don't believe in wasting my time or anyone else's time for that matter. It is important that I meet with  buyers in person and ascertain what their needs are so I can determine if I am the best agent to help them. I am not a "fit" for every person. 

What questions should a home buyer have answers to when it comes to financing the home?

• How much do I qualify for?
• What would my monthly payment be?
• Does my payment include taxes and insurance?
• Does the property I am interested in have mello-roos or HOA's?
• What type of loan am I getting? is it fixed or does it adjust?
• How much down payment do I need?
  
• What is my interest rate?

If you are looking for a home I highly suggest that you find an agent that meets the following criteria:

• Full-Time - with all the changes in the real estate industry it is important to have someone who is in the business full time. 
• Has Experience - How long has the agent been in real estate? If not for very long, do they have a team to support them? Your agent needs to have the experience to make sure you are protected as a buyer. The longer they have been in the business the more experience they have had in dealing with all aspects of real estate. 
• They are a REALTOR® - Not all real estate agents are REALTOR®'s.  It is also important that the agent is a REALTOR, because they must follow a strict code of ethics and usually maintain a higher lever of knowledge. Check out the 12 reasons you should work with a REALTOR®.
• Has Designations - Those letters behind their name doesn't necessarily make them a better agent but it does mean that they are taking the time to be more educated in their field. It means that they are continuously training in special areas of the real estate industry.
• Friendly/Down to Earth - It is important that the agent you work with is a good fit with your personality. Do they ask you questions about what is important to you? You need to make sure you are comfortable with each other. It isn't fun to work with "Mrs. Schnoopy", if you know what I mean! You need to be comfortable with your agent.
• Honest/Hardworking - Does the agent communicate with you? Do they do what they say they are going to do? Are they on time? Do they tell you things that you sometimes don't want to hear because they think something is not right for you?

Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you will make in your life. You want to make sure that the experience is great and you will be happy and comfortable with the house and the payment! You can search all homes on the market by visiting the Executive Properties blog.

Happy House Hunting!