Kate Ford asked:


What if you knew how to easily locate the right real estate agent, one that puts your interests first. Use my tips and advice to decrease the stress of buying a home and find the best real estate agent for you.

I certainly understand if you question why I believe I know what constitutes a good real estate agent. I would wonder if I were you.

Here is the answer. For more than 28 years, my husband and I have helped people buy homes. Since I left off being a kid, residential real estate and mortgage financing have occupied my life. I was a licensed real estate agent in the first part of my career and the owner of a mortgage company the last part of my career.

Most people will buy one home, maybe two. Others may purchase an investment or vacation house. In most cases you are going need the services of a qualified real estate agent. And yes, choosing a good real estate agent is crucial.

Instead of listing warnings, do’s and don’ts, allow me to share how I interview and choose a real estate agent.

Number one on my list is to find an individual who makes me feel at ease. Buying a house can be difficult and exhausting at times so why complicate it by employing a real estate broker you don’t feel comfortable with.

It is a shame how many home buyers I observe working with agents who are not matched well to them. The dissatisfaction is discussed for weeks, months and sometimes years after moving into a home.

I believe that buying a home should be fun and exciting. After all it will probably be the most significant and most expensive purchase that you are ever going to make. So why not work with someone that you feel comfortable with since you are likely to be in contact with them on a daily or weekly basis for several months.

Second I am looking for an agent who has my best interests in mind. But how do I know if a real estate broker is truly interested in my personal well being and not simply concerned with making the sale? There are several indications.

Does this agent listen to me? If your agent doesn’t directly address your concerns and questions, this may not be the real estate agent for you.

Does your prospective real estate representative talk first and ask questions later? This is another indication of whether your best interests have been kept in mind. Every great agent listens to what’s on your mind after they ask what is important to you.

A thorough agent will always ask you a lot of questions before ever offering to take you out to view houses. You see, a real estate agent is a valuable asset and they know that your time as well as theirs is valuable too. So they are not going to waste your time showing you houses that you can’t afford or don’t fit your circumstances.

Even though it can feel a little uncomfortable, anticipate a trained agent inquiring into your finances. This is the type of real estate agent I look for.

Some agents give advice without taking into consideration your circumstances. A good agent doesn’t give advice but instead presents options. Your agent should be solution oriented by presenting you with choices that allow you to select what you feel is best for your particular circumstances. Watch for and choose a real estate broker who considers options based on your needs rather than theirs. Above all never feel rushed to make a decision.

High on my list when I interview real estate professionals is watching for individuals who admit when they are unsure of an answer to my question. No matter how experienced a agent, no one has all the answers. So when I ask a question and I hear the words “I don’t know” followed by “but I will find out” it is refreshing. Possessing every answer is not what I care about. That is why I rarely decide on a broker based on age or even experience. A real estate broker with enough enthusiasm and energy to do that little bit extra is who I pick.

Even though it will be your home and a place to live, central to every transaction is money. Although a real estate agent isn’t qualified to approve you for a mortgage, it is still important to be asked about your financial ability such as how much money you have saved for down payment and closing costs.

Top real estate agents know from experience that mortgage financing is the hub of every real estate transaction. As a home buyer, protect yourself by understanding the cost before going out to view houses and especially before you make an offer.

A good agent can help you with this too or you can simply contact a licensed mortgage broker who can prepare a Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs. If you are comfortable asking your real estate agent, most can refer you to a couple of mortgage brokers for detailed estimates of mortgage costs for your comparison. It is critical that you know what costs to expect before you shop for a house and especially before you make an offer.

Lastly, remember that buying a house is your decision. Take responsibility for your decision by seeking advice from people you like and feel can trust.

I often say when it comes to buying or refinancing a home, it is your house and your mortgage, no one is going to care about it more than you.



Doris

Ray La Foy asked:


Fast-talking salespeople might seem impressive at first glance, but they’re not always the best choice. When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, the smart shopper looks for one that’s honest, outgoing and comes with good reviews from past customers. Integrity should also be a high priority, as should an ability to communicate well.

Having a good rapport with the person you’re looking to hire to either buy or sell a home is vital. This agent must be a good listener for the transaction to go smoothly. But, remember, you must be a good listener, too.

Successfully buying or selling a home is a pursuit of communication. On your part, it’s very important whether you’re buying or selling that you feel comfortable enough with the agent to share your hopes, desires and what you’d be willing to settle for. On the listening end, you must get clear, and honest, feedback from the agent about what is feasible. If your expectations are reasonable and your agent’s don’t sound that way, there’s a disconnect somewhere.

If you’re selling a home, your agent must understand what you need and want to get out of a home. These can be two very different numbers, but in some markets the “want” can be very possible. You must also feel comfortable enough to clearly explain any flaws with the home and what, if anything, you can do prior to the sale to remedy one.

When dealing with an honest agent, you should receive good feedback about your expectations. This can include advice on what can be done to attain the desired price, what you can expect during the sales process and a clear and easy to understand explanation of any contracts. If you don’t get these things, be a little wary. Also, if your real estate agent promises you the sun and the stars, ask questions. The person might be promising you the world to get you to sign a contract. A reputable agent will not do this.

On the buying end, your budget, desires for the home and the area you’d like to live in must be made very clear. If you want a three bedroom and the agent keeps showing you two bedroom places, there’s a problem in communication. The lack of understanding is not only a waste of your time; it’s a waste of the agent’s. Be certain to list out minimum requirements about what you’d like to buy; otherwise, you’ll both be spinning your wheels.

Buying or selling a house can be a great experience if a good real estate agent is involved. This person will act as a liaison between you and others in the business dealing and should help take some of the burdens off you. If he or she doesn’t, you haven’t found a good agent.

When looking for the right agent, check out different offices and go with a person you feel comfortable talking with, one who is state licensed and has a good track record with past clients. It’s more than okay to interview a few. If communication and trust are present, along with the right credentials, you’ve found a keeper.

Remember, buying or selling a home is a complex process. Make sure the real estate agent you hire is out to serve you during the deal.



Thelma