How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent

Using the services of a good real estate agent or broker is an essential part of the home buying process. Look for somebody who has good local knowledge, has been in business for a while and can offer you that intangible 10% extra by way of service that always makes all the difference. By the way do you know the difference between a Realtor and a real Estate Agent? Realtors have to be licensed but Real Estate Agents don’t.

Things you will need:

A legal notepad.
A diary or personal organizer for scheduling appointments.
Telephone access.
A computer linked to the www.
A card holder so you can store and collate business cards.
A box file so that you can file agents’ lists.

Step 1

Look for referrals. Professionals stay in business not because of their Yellow Pages listing but because satisfied clients refer their services to others. Ask your friends and family for the name of an Agent who they can recommend through personal experience. Yes, you can go on line and find somebody but a personal referral is always best.

Step 2

Go and meet some agents yourself. Set up an interview from the names your friends and family have given you or attend open houses. When you attend a house showing notice how the agent or company conducts it business. Collect the cards of those that are showing interest in the viewers and spend their time pointing out the features of the house. These proactive types will help you in your search.

Step 3

Now you have your list of likely agents, go out and meet them in their offices. You are looking to buy a house so you are looking for a buyer’s agent. Make that clear at the outset. Your Real Estate Agent needs to show evidence that they have been able to negotiate a number of sales at below the seller’s asking price. If he or she can do that for you they can save you a lot of money;

Step 4

As a buyer you need to know how the Agent intends to find the house you are looking for and whether or not you will be competing with other buyers when it comes to purchas. You also need to know the company’s policy in the case of multiple offers.

Step 5

Ask to see copies of the buyer/broker agreement. This will effectively elucidate your agreement with the Real Estate Agent or Company. For instance you will need to know whether the agreement is exclusive or non-exclusive and what that effectively means. It might be a good idea to take a copy of the agreement to your lawyer who will set you straight on any unforeseen traps that could trip you up and cost you dear!

Step 6

You need to know the agent’s fee structure. This can range from 1 to 4% and will depend on property price as well as exclusivity of the contract. Remember this though, all fees are negotiable.

Step 7

Select the Agent whom you like the best and seems to offer you the most. That extra 10% of service wins every time.

Tip

Ask your realtor for recommendations for lawyers, surveyors and the like. This can make your purchase much easier and stress free.