Home Buyer Tip #1: Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Are you looking to buy your first home? Your forever home? Dream home? Empty nester home? 

I've been through the process twice. Once as a first time home buyer and again as a "forever home" buyer. However, now that I'm in the Real Estate Business, I see a "Dream Home" someday, and then maybe even an "Empty Nester". But I've never been through the process as a buyer while also a Real Estate agent.

As a REALTOR, it's my goal to not only help you find the perfect place, but make the process as enjoyable as possible, giving you confidence in all of your decision making. 

Home Buying Tip #1: Find the perfect Real Estate Agent.

Why are Real Estate Agents important to you?

1. Education: I always thought I understood the industry as I went through both of my buying transactions. Now that I am a licensed Real Estate Agent myself, I had no idea what I didn't know. Not only will their general knowledge of the industry be a benefit to you, but also knowing your local market and the day to day changes that occur within it.

2. Access: How much time do you already spend on public home listing sites? Agents have access to what is known as the Multi-Listing Service (MLS). The MLS contains every listing in your area that is being sold by an agent. So, you don't have to do the shopping on your own. And you DON'T have to call each different company to set up a showing on a property. Hiring your own agent will cover all of that for you. They can browse the listings for your criteria AND have access to set up showings and take you to them. No need to call any other agents on your own. 

3. Connections: A Real Estate Agent will have an endless database of industry connections for you. Need a referral for a lender? Inspector? Home repairs? Moving company? A good REALTOR should be able to give you several options for any need that should arise. 

4. Negotiating: This is an area that comes with more responsibility than I once imagined. Many consumers think that negotiating stops when an offer is accepted. However, once the inspections are completed, another round of negotiations are likely to take place. Your Real Estate Agent will give you the knowledge, tools, and resources to make decisions on which direction you would like to go.

5. No cost to you: Typically, the buyer's agent is paid by the seller. So, you have no reason NOT to hire someone that will help get you into the home of your dreams for an outcome that is best for YOU.

But, there's more.

No two agents are exactly alike. And not every agent is the perfect agent for you- just as you're not the perfect client for every agent. There's a chance you could be working together for several months. It's important that you find someone that you trust, respect, and feel comfortable with. Here are some areas to think about when choosing an agent.

1. Personality Type: As a person that thrives off connection, it is always important to me to work with individuals that I can relate to and feel comfortable chatting with outside of real estate talk. My husband, on the other hand, is the numbers guy. He doesn't need that connection on an emotional level but would rather hire the agent that can rattle off their closing percentages and talk return on investments. Find someone that possesses the personality traits that you admire. Finding the person you mesh with the most will make this process easier on both you and the agent.

2. Communication: These days, there are so many ways in which we all communicate. Phone, text, email, messaging, and the sometimes rare face to face. We all seem to favor a form of communication. It may seem like a miniscule topic, but if you prefer to always pick up the phone when you have questions, there are others that prefer to communicate via emails or text. When meeting a potential client for the first time, one of the questions I ask them is what form of communication they prefer. It's a good idea to ask an agent that when interviewing them!

3. Time management: No, you don't need to know how your agent spends every minute of their day. But it is important to know how much of their time that they devote to their clients and how flexible they are with that time. Find out what times of day they are available to show houses. If you work a regular 9-5, you need to be sure your agent is willing to meet up in the evening to show homes. Or if they are part time and work a full time job during the week, find out if they will be available during weekday hours if something comes up that fits into your schedule.

4. Ask them to sell themselves- But maybe not in that way. If I were in the buyer's seat, knowing what I know now, at this point, I would ask a potential agent to go through the buying process with me. How they explain the process, how they handle questions that I come up with, and how confident they seem will give me a good idea on what I can expect during the buying process. I like to know a lot of details, so I ask a lot of questions. How well do they listen?

5. Don't just take your mom's word for it. If your mom tells you she works with someone whose daughter is an agent, don't just assume she's the perfect fit for you. I suggest chatting with several agents if the first one you meet with isn't giving you the vibe you're looking for! 

Buying a home doesn't have to be stressful. As always, don't hesitate to call, email or text me if you have any questions!