Real estate is a tough world. Having been in the corporate world for years before going into real estate, I find that it is much more difficult to have a successful career in real estate, but much more rewarding for me personally. Real estate agents do not get paid unless your closing happens. That means that if an agent runs around with a client for six months, 20 hours a week it is, in effect, a part time job--however it is 100% risk for your agent. Most people do not ever go to work without a guarantee of getting paid. Real estate professionals and lenders do this every day.
It is very important that you and your real estate professional have a good relationship. After all, you will be spending a lot of time together. At the same time, when you find someone that you connect with well, it is important that you maintain loyalty. Some agents will ask you to sign an exclusive buyer agent agreement. This is a great option, as long as it outlines what happens if the relationship doesn't work out. It's kind of like a marriage. And when you have an escape clause, just consider it your prenup! No one ever expects the relationship to go bad...but at times they do. It needs to be addressed in the beginning how to deal with the situation if the relationship goes sour. Our team uses buyer agent agreements with such an escape clause. After all, if you don't enjoy working with us, why would we want to continue to work with you. We would both be miserable. Ask for a written escape clause from your real estate professional when you enter into an exclusive agreement.
As a buyer having an exclusive agreement means that usually your buyers agent will roll out the red carpet for you. By expressing your loyalty, they feel that their time is not being wasted. Nothing is worse to a real estate agent then working with a buyer for months and having the buyer call you because they have just signed a contract with a for sale by owner. Or called on a sign in someone's yard and written a contract with that agent. Your buyer agent's role is to look after you. A buyer agent can do this much easier if you are loyal. An exclusive relationship is definitely to your advantage.
All agents can show you the same property. It is never to your advantage to hop from agent to agent to agent. Likewise, it's never to your advantage to spend hours and hours riding around looking at signs. Ask your agent to send you every listing that meets your criteria. If they are doing this, you have access to everything the agent does and know what is on the market without wasting time and gas money.
If you are thinking about looking for a new home, find yourself a good buyer's agent today!
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