Selecting a Buyer?s Agent When you're ready to hire a real estate agent, we encourage you to interview several likely prospects, asking them a few important questions such as:
Working with me as a buyer, how will you help me narrow my choices?
A good real estate agent will first expand your choices, making you fully aware of what your home-buying dollar will buy in various communities. Then she'll/he'll help you separate good options from those that are less-than-optimal, educating you on the features and benefits of specific homes and their neighborhoods.
What advice can you offer that's unique to my situation?
Are you settling into the family homestead, or expecting to be transferred in two years? Your unique circumstances will prompt discussion; your buyer's agent should be able to counsel you on the specifics.
Why should I confine myself to working with just one buyer's agent?
If you don't have an exclusive agency agreement with your buyer's agent, you're not legally obligated to work only with him/her to find your next home. It may, however, greatly benefit you to do so. Listen to your prospective agents' philosophies on this point, and determine what's best for you.
When did you last buy a house?
Buying a home challenges our minds and our emotions. Does your agent understand what you're experiencing?
What happens when you are not available?
What should you do if your agent is on a weekend vacation, and the Sunday classifieds feature an open house that just calls out to you? If you visit without your agent, will it mean that she/he can't represent you in the eventual sale? Be sure to understand how prospective agents handle even brief periods in which they're unavailable.
What distinguishes your real estate company from its competitors?
Is a company large because it reinvests in innovation? Or has it remained a "boutique," believing that its personalized services attract clients? Each organization should have a business philosophy that's clearly understood by its agents.
What distinguishes your personal service from other real estate agents?
A recent study showed that unreturned phone calls from their agent was the No.1 complaint among home buyers and sellers. Listen to how prospective agents describe their communication skills.
After each interview, ask yourself:
- Did you feel that the agent is trustworthy and honest?
- Did he/she seem realistic when talking about your home or your anticipated home purchase?
- Did you communicate well with the agent? Were you "on the same page?"
- Would you describe him/her as committed, motivated, and experienced?
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