Buying a home is a big purchase (and a big decision) - probably the biggest ones you will ever make. Your buyer agent should be your "consultant" and not a salesperson. They should work to understand what you are looking for and help you find it (if what you are looking for is reasonable in the areas which you are hoping to buy) and not try to sell you something that they are trying to sell.
Before you decide to work with an agent you should find out the answers to these questions. The answers will be a good guide to what your experience working with the buyer agent is going to be like:
- How long have you been licensed?
- Do you work in real estate full time?
- What percentage of your business is working with buyers?
- How familiar are you with the area?
- Do you have references from other buyers who have used your services?
- Do you belong to an association that has a published code of ethics or standards of practice?
- Do you think foreclosures, bank-owned properties or for-sale-by-owner properties are appropriate for me?
- How often will you supply me with properties that meet my criteria?
- How will you communicate property information to me?
- Will you point out negative aspects of each property as well as the positive?
- How do you help buyers get the best price and terms?
- Can you help me with the loan process?
- Do you have a list of recommended lenders, home inspectors, insurance agents and other professionals? .
- How do you get paid?
- Do you have a written agreement?
- What is the duration of that agreement?
- What if I find a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) house on my own?
- How many clients do you typically work with at one time?
- Will I work with you or a member of your "team"?
- What special training or certifications do you currently hold?
- How does your firm handle “dual-agent” or “designated agent” situations?
What are my responses to these questions? Just click here!
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