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Choosing a Realtor - 7 Tips for Home Buyers
by Brandon Cornett
Choosing a Realtor seems like an easy task. But it's important to choose a Realtor who makes you feel comfortable, listens to your needs, and has the resources at his or her disposal to show you the right homes to fit your needs.
Consider the "vibe" factor.
You should get a good vibe from the Realtor you plan to select.
When you sit and meet with him or her, you want to make sure they are really listening to you and trying to get an understanding of what your ideal home will be.
The more open and honest you are with the Realtor, and the more receptive they are to hearing your needs, the easier it will be to find and choose the right home.
Ask Realtors about their search tactics.
Ask prospective Realtors how they go about searching for a home. You want to find someone who's willing to use all available avenues to help you find your dream home. In other words, you want a Realtor who will be just as quick to look through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as they are to look through their own exclusive listings.
Read paperwork carefully.
When meeting with a Realtor, you will want to find out who is paying the agent's fees. In many cases, the seller will pay the buyer agent's fees, but you need to find out for sure before signing any paperwork. Make sure you understand all the provisions of any paperwork you sign. Your chosen Realtor should make you feel comfortable enough to ask questions, and he or she should not rush you through the paperwork process.
Use your attorney, if you have one.
In some states, attorneys are hired for real estate closings. If you have an attorney assisting you with the real estate transaction, you may want to ask him or her if they can review any documentation the Realtor is asking you to sign. The vast majority of Realtors are trustworthy, but when the stakes are high it's always a good idea to double-check before signing documents.
Ask about networking.
Many Realtors can also refer you to competent mortgage professionals, home inspectors, termite inspectors, appraisers, contractors and other professionals who can help you through the home buying process. Ask about such networks when choosing your Realtor.
Ask about geographical familiarity.
The more familiar the Realtor is with a specific geographic area, the better equipped they will be to help you find the right home for your needs. It's perfectly acceptable to have multiple Realtors working for you if you are looking in more than one geographic area. You should ask what area or areas a Realtor is particularly knowledgeable about so you know what their level of expertise is.
Consider the communication factor.
Communication is crucial in the home buying process. A good Realtor will keep you informed, without you having to bug them for updates all the time. If there are red flags early on in the process, chances are they will only get worse. So keep that in mind before you commit to any particular Realtor.
Conclusion
Instincts go along way when choosing a Realtor, so trust your instincts. Ask plenty of questions, and don't feel like you're being a pest for doing so. Remember, you have the most at stake in the Realtor / buyer relationship, so you should be the one doing the proactive research and asking all the questions. Good luck!
Related article: Choose a Realtor You Can Trust
Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Home Buying Institute.
Related: Real estate agent marketing | Real estate agent postcards
