You’re finally close to making your dream come true! The pursuit of a perfect home has started.
You probably have a lot of things on the list that your new home should have. But are you aware of just how many things you need to watch out for in order to make the best choice possible? Starting from the period of a year to search for a home, things in the house to pay attention to, to important financial aspects of the purchase. But one of the crucial things is choosing the right agent. Here are some very useful tips to make your search for an agent accurate and thorough.
1. Get a recommendation
Talk to your friends who have already collaborated with an agent and find out what their experience was. Through their experience and specific examples, you’ll get to know the agent’s strengths and preferences. For example, some prefer working with a first-time buyer, while others are great if you’re looking for a flat, not a house. You’ll be able to tell is a certain agent is right for you or not.
2. Don’t necessarily go for a top-selling agent
A top-selling agent is a perfect choice if want to find a house really quickly. Their excellent selling record will be of use to you then. However, if you are willing to browse 30 different homes to compare the advantages and disadvantages to make the right choice, then look for somebody else. A top-selling agent will be just too quick to close the deal instead of patiently go with you until you do your thorough research.
3. Mind the location
Every good agent will have their own area of expertise. Meaning, they will be well-informed on the neighbors, specific features of the area and the best homes there. They will also know if a certain home will be up for sale soon. If the agent has good connections, they will be of great use to you.
4. Good communication
It’s very important if the communication between you and the agent is good. You need to be able to express your wishes and fears freely and the agent should understand you. This is important not only for the searching part but also when the time comes for the completion of the contract.
5. Don’t go exclusive from the beginning
You have the right to keep your options open. An exclusivity agreement is not obligatory. If you can’t decide between two areas, then, by all means, choose two agents specialized in one of the locations. Later on, when you figure out which agent suits you better, keep that agent.
Why agents are a better choice than browsing homes on your own
If you’re still having doubts about whether to look for a professional or go hunting homes alone, here are the reasons to hire an agent:
1. Your best interest will be their priority
Seller’s agent’s’ duty is to promote the sellers’ best interest and to make them the best deal possible. On the other hand, residential property buyers agents are there for you, the buyer. Your wishes and preferences are their priority and they will be with you every step of the way. In other words, they will have your best interest in mind when they make an offer. They are loyal to you, meaning they will keep your information confidential.
2. You’ll have an updated list of properties for sale
By hiring an agent, you’ll always have the most accurate list of all the real estates that are up for sale. Even though there are a few reliable sites where you can browse for houses, they are still not able to update the information as quickly as your agent. Homes today are selling really fast and it’s usually a matter of days until somebody buys a home. That’s why it’s so important to be informed on a new home the moment it becomes available for sale. Your agent will make sure you get the same information the moment they do, allowing you to have the best possible options available.
2. A designated person to schedule your showings
It’s so much easier to have a person who will plan and schedule every showing that you have. You just need to show up! In case you have to see 5 or 6 houses in a day, your agent will come up with the best route so that you don’t waste time. They will either wait for you at each home or they will even drive you from one place to another. Another advantage of this arrangement is that your agent will be able to see what you want to and what things you especially like or dislike about the homes. It will make easier for them to filter the search. They will know when they should call you and tell you that a home popped out that you could really like.
3. Leading you through the buying process
Contrary to what some people may think, purchasing a home is not just about signing a contract. It’s one of the biggest purchases you will ever make and it’s a complex process. Between obtaining a mortgage pre-approval and closing the deal is a great number of steps. It’s very important to have a person that will be able to talk you through the whole process before the search even starts. That will prepare you for the whole thing. Once your agents find out what your budget is, they will help you identify the maximum price of the homes to look at.
Final words
Bearing in mind that buying a home is an overwhelming process that will also probably be the highest purchase you’ll make, it’s clear why you need professional assistance. Having somebody who knows what they are doing by your side will definitely lead you to your perfect home.