Picking a Real Estate Agent can be daunting, particularly if you’re a first-time home buyer and have never gone down this path before. I mean, there are literally hundreds of us out there, so how do you choose the right Real Estate Agent?
The best things you can do is interview a few of them. I always tell my clients to sit down with 3 Realtors® and have a conversation with them. Talk about your goals and the things you’re looking for, and assess how they respond. Do they seem knowledgeable? Do your personalities match? Are you able to communicate easily with them? Remember – if you’re going to spend 2 or 3 months with a Realtor® (or longer), you want to make sure you trust them and feel comfortable with them.
So what types of questions should you be asking a Realtor®? Well, before you approach them I’d say that goal setting is really important. Think about what you want out of your home. Not just now, but also in the next several years from now. Are you planning on starting a family soon? Are you going to buy a pet next year? Do you see yourself working from home in the future? Knowing your situation now, as well as planning for the future, will help you figure out what you should be looking for. And ultimately, what you should be communicating to your Realtor®.
You should also think about your wants versus needs. What are your ‘non-negotiables’ versus your ‘nice-to-haves’? A good Realtor® will ask you these questions and will help you navigate those decisions. They will offer guidance and knowledge, and will present you with options that actually fit your needs. Their primary interest should be to find the best possible home for you.
Regardless if you’re a first-time home buyer or if you’re looking for a new agent, I would encourage you to feel confident in the interview process. Don’t feel intimidated. Afterall, you are making one of the biggest investments of your life, and investing in the right Realtor® is part of that process. A Realtor’s® job is to listen to your needs and to help you navigate the home buying journey from start to finish.
It could be a rigorous process but when you find the right Realtor® you’ll know. They will be genuine and invested in your needs, and interested in building a relationship with you. In fact, they’ll likely become your friend and will stay with you for life.
If you’re looking for a Realtor® or just have some general questions about buying a home, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always happy to help.
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