I've purchased a few homes in my soon to be middle aged lifetime. The first and second home that I bought was in a community that I knew so well, I really didn't need any hand holding (pre-real estate career). When my family and I decided to relocate to Colorado, we worked with a veteran real estate agent that was referred to us by a friend.
Over the phone, we spoke with this agent about our needs and wants. When we came out to actually look for houses, my wife and I would step into the front door of houses that the agent had picked out for us to see. Upon entry to the majority of the houses my wife and I would just look at each other with a "what are we doing here" look. In the end, the houses we eventually made offers on were houses that my wife and had found ourselves.
As an real estate agent, why would I even tell you this? I can say it with confidence, my goal is to save you (buyer) time and money. I save you money by finding homes that meet your needs and vigorously negotiate on your behalf. I save you time by listening to your needs and wants. When I have a good understanding of your search criteria, I go to work.
I will hopefully see over 20 homes before I even show you 1. Why? An agent preview is simply an elimination process. Why would anyone want to see homes that do not meet their needs and wants? It is just a huge waste of time!
The bottom line: with so many houses on the market, it only makes sense to find the cream of the crop in your given price range. Besides, is it not re-assuring to know that your agent had already seen the houses that he/she will be showing you? I know my wife and I would have appreciated it.
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