Buyers

Some buyers erroneously believe it is better to work with a conglomeration of agents, when in fact, an exclusive relationship yields better results. If a Realtor is confident in your loyalty, and vice versa, you are assured to be at the top of an agent's call list as their top-priority. Furthermore, when having a priority relationship with your Realtor, you gain the confidence of knowing your representative is negotiating as strongly as possible for you, with your agent recognizing that their job is to achieve the best possible results. This is not necessarily the same when an agent is concerned that they run the risk of quickly losing you to another agent. One of your largest financial transactions deserves personalized service that can only be accomplished by having an exclusive and trusting relationship with an agent.

 

Desired home location, size, style, features, etc. vary between clients; no two are the same. When hiring a Realtor, have a detailed conversation about all aspects of the process and transaction. This can include price point to preferred contact method to favored days/times for showings. During this interview, your agent will also explain whatever you need to know and expect when buying a home.

 

Having clear financial backing is crucial for a Realtor to negotiate on your behalf. The main reason is because a home seller needs to be sure you are financially qualified before they accept your offer, so proper preparation can make all the difference. You and your Realtor may know you are financially qualified, however the seller may question it.

After pre-qualifying for a loan, your Realtor can introduce neighborhoods and homes that meet your price range and desired characteristics. A highly qualified Realtor will be able to narrow down this search quickly, inevitably saving you a huge amount of valuable time and energy. Whether it be introducing you to neighborhoods that you initially did not consider, or fast tracking the learning curve with understanding home values in specific neighborhoods, having a Realtor that specializes in the neighborhoods that you are considering is critical.

 

If you attend an Open House, be sure to inform the listing agent if you are working with a Realtor. The agent holding the Open House will request you to sign the register. Do so, but it is only necessary to list your full name, Realtor's name, and Realtor's contact information. This will prevent representation confusion on behalf of the listing agent.

 

It is always best not to call the ad's listing agent for four reasons: Directly contacting the listing agent will cause confusion with representation. Your Realtor should be entirely aware of homes that interest you. Your Realtor is probably (or should be) familiar with the home and can discuss the features, etc. and can arrange a private showing for you, quickly and easily. Finally, the listing agent's primary goal is to sell you the house you inquired about and may not necessarily have your best interest at mind.