Buyer’s Tip #3: Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Buyer’s Tip #3: Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Buying a home is an exciting experience. There is the thrill of the hunt and the deal. The whole process is enhanced by a good real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the market. But with so many brokerages and agents to choose from in the South Bay, finding a perfect fit may be more of a challenge than you expected. Working with a top agent who is experienced and trustworthy can go a long way in ensuring that you buy for the best price in the market. Here is what you should know:

Where Should You Start?

A good starting point is to check out the local housing market in person. Drive or walk around the neighborhood you are interested in and look for repeat agent names on real estate signs. This is a good indicator that the agent knows the area well. They might also have insight on homes that are coming up for sale before they even hit the market!

Visiting multiple open houses is also a great idea because it gives you the opportunity to interact with several agents before you start the interviewing process. Don’t just grab a business card and leave. Keep an eye out for personality and professional chemistry as this will be someone you will work with and see often during the home buying process. Additionally, ask friends, family and neighbors for recommendations and check out reviews online. What better way to find the right person than through sources you trust!

Interview Multiple Agents

When hiring a real estate agent, don’t settle on the first agent you meet. A rule of thumb is to interview at least 3 candidates. Go into each meeting with your potential agent armed with questions that will help you gauge the person’s experience, knowledge of your area and whether he or she will be a good fit for you in terms of personality and communication. You want to feel confident your agent is going to advocate for you and work in your best interests. So, handle it like a job interview – because it is! Here are some questions you should ask a potential agent:

• 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 where I want to purchase?
• What references do you have references from other buyers who have used your services? Do you have an association membership that has a published code of ethics or standards of practice?
• Do you think foreclosures, bank-owned properties or for-sale-by-owner properties would be appropriate for your home search?
• How often will you supply me with properties that meet my criteria? How will you get them to me? Will you point out all the negative aspects of each property as well as all the positive aspects?
• Please tell me how you represent buyers to help them get the best price and terms.
• Do you have a list of lenders, home inspectors, insurance agents and other professionals to recommend?
• How do you get paid?
• Do you have a written agreement? What is the duration of that agreement? What if I see a for-sale-by-owner house on my own?
• How would you represent me as a buyer client for properties listed with your firm? How might that affect your ability to negotiate on my behalf for those properties?

Do Your Research

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential agents to hire, make sure to find out as much as possible about them. Check their license and disciplinary actions. You can find that information online at www.dre.ca.gov. Just type in their name or license number, and the information should pop up. Also, contact the agent’s references. Ask them what it was like working with your potential agent and if they had any problems. Find out how the agent dealt with difficult issues and how the references felt about it. Did they have any worries? How well did they communicate?

Taking the time to do a little research in the beginning can help you confidently choose a representative to aid you in one of your biggest financial decisions. Plus, you will save the time and trouble of having to find another agent half way through the buying process. And remember, finding someone you feel you can trust and communicate well with is top priority.