6 Tips For Home Buyers On How To Get The Most From Their Realtor

 

6 Tips For Home Buyers On How To Get The Most From Their Realtor

Getting great service from your Realtor isn't a matter of luck. There are things home buyers can do to help their agent provide the very best service. Buyers who understand how the real estate business and agents work will definitely have an edge in getting the most from their Realtor. Here are 6 tips for home buyers on how to get the most from their Realtor:

1. Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage: top agents won't spend a lot of time with home buyers who haven't demonstrated financial ability to purchase a home. Top agents probably won't even show you any homes until you are pre-approved. So get pre-approved before you contact an agent to show you homes. And when you call an agent, don't be surprised if this is one of the first questions they ask you. If you don't know a reputable mortgage lender, then ask the agent to refer you to one or more. Just be ready to wait to look at houses until you have a pre-approval letter in hand.
2. Be Loyal: top agents will work harder for loyal buyers who are committed to working with them. If you go to an open house on your own, or cal a For-Sale-By-Owner, or respond to an ad, or visit a new home sales center, be sure to disclose the fact that you are working with and agent and with whom. Don't work with more than one agent at a time... word gets around and you may find that all the agents "drop" you. Top agents will typically not work with buyers who don't sign an exclusive buyer agency agreement with them.
3. Know Your Priorities: before you start looking at homes with an agent, you should make a list of your needs, wants, priorities and then discuss them at length with your agent. Make sure you know what your non-negotiables are in a home. Doing this upfront will help your agent focus in, laser-like, on the right neighborhoods and properties for you. And you'll both not waste a lot of time looking at homes that will never suit.
4. Be Open-Minded: experienced agents may well be showing you houses that at first glance don't appear suitable... but if you look closer they might just be perfect. Your agent can help you figure out how to make an unappealing home become your dream home... but you need to use your imagination and you need to be open-minded.
5. Communicate What You Like and Dislike: top agents won't take offense if you communicate clearly what does or doesn't appeal about specific homes, neighborhoods, etc. Afterall, it's not their house you're critiqueing! Open, honest feedback will help your agent pinpoint the right homes for you. And while we look for non-verbal cues from our clients, we are not mind-readers!
6. Be Ready To Act Fast: top agents will put clients who are ready, willing, and able to buy at the top of their priority list in terms of attention and responsiveness. If you're still at the "just looking" stage and not ready to do much for six or more months, don't expect your agent to jump at the drop of a hat to show you homes on a weekend... more than likely your agent will allocate that time to serious buyers ready to make a more immediate purchasing decision and commitment. And don't forget to be honest up-front with your agent as to your timing.

Follow these 6 tips for home buyers on how to get the most from their Realtor and you'll enjoy world-class service and attention from your agent.

Planning to buy a home in the Charlotte metro area soon? Contact Carolinas Realty Partners... we can help you find your dream home.

 

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Nina Hollander
Broker, Realtor, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES, CDPE, SFR, SPS, CMRS
Carolinas Realty Partners with RE/MAX Executive Realty
Direct: 704-779-0813
Website: www.GreatHomesInCharlotte.com
Blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/ninahollander
Search for Charlotte Area Homes: www.HomesInCharlotteArea.com

2007 - 2016 Charlotte Magazine 5-Star Customer Satisfaction Award Winner

 

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Disclaimer:  Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice.  For legal advice see an attorney.   For tax advice or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.