You've decided to buy a home, so you start searching the internet for your next dream home. You find it. You call the list agent. You go look at the home.
Now what?
Have you considered who the list agent represents? I'll give you a hint....it's not you. Unless you sign a buyer agency agreement, and then sign the Dual Agency forms, "your" agent is still representing the seller. Now of course, the agent does have specific duties to you to be fair and honest. But the duty of getting the best deal is still on the side of the sellers.
So, you really need to make shopping for an agent the first step. I know it's not any fun, but it's the best way to ensure you get an agent to work FOR you.
So, how do you find that agent?
Start with friends, family, or neighbors that have recently bought a home. Whether they recommend their agent or not, they'll be able to tell you what they wished they'd done differently.
Next, find a few agents to interview. Don't just pick one and go. Did you just throw a dart at the phone book when you were choosing a doctor? (Ok, so you had a print out of the Google and Yelp listings.) This is a home purchase, even a small home is a major purchase and a decision you'll live with for the next 5-7 years, if you're like most people. You want to make the right choice.
Now, whether to hire an extremely experienced agent or a newer agent is all up to you and your comfort level. After all, every agent was new once. And just because they haven't been in business for 30 years, doesn't mean they aren't smart and won't be good at their job. But ask about their experience. And if they don't have a ton of experience, ask about their support system. Do they have a good broker? Do they have a network of other agents that will help solve any problem that may come up?
Selecting your agent has a lot to do with personality. If you just don't click, don't hire that agent. You want someone that "gets you." Someone that understands your way of life and how you plan to live in your new home. This agent will be able to point out the pros and cons of any home for you. They will also be more able to find a home that you might not have considered, and it could be just perfect for you.
You'll also want to ask what their process is for buying a home. Will they show you a home any time? Do they have specific showing hours? Are they available on the weekends? If you plan to buy in the next month or two, are they planning a vacation that will take them away from their job of finding you a home?
What is the agent's views on inspections? Do they match your views? What is the agents negotiation style when it comes to negotiating repairs on the home? You see some agents believe strongly in getting all inspections and making the home owner fix everything. Other agents allow you to pick and choose the inspections you have after informing you of their benefits and costs. Then making the requests for repairs becomes more of a negotiation process to ensure that it is a win win situation for both you the buyer and the seller. You see, some repairs need to be made before you buy a home. But others aren't as important and should not be used as deal breakers. There's no reason everyone can't feel like they've come out on top when buying your new home.
Shopping for a new home is fun and exciting. But it's not the time to choose your agent or get to know them and their process. After you have an accepted offer your agent should make the closing process as smooth and seamless as possible. It's always going to be a long wait to move it - nothing can change that. It will always be a little stressful getting to the closing table. Choose an agent that will be able to minimize the stress. And if yo're successful in doing that, tell all your friends!
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