Finding a real estate agent is an important part of the home buying process. If you are buying a home, a real estate agent can guide you through the process. An agent can also help you narrow down your home search by searching real estate listings that only real estate agents have access to. Using a real estate agent will generally cost you about three percent of the purchase price of your home. Many people find this cost well worth it for an easier journey through the real estate process.
Where to find a real estate agent
When looking for a real estate agent, you should first ask your family and friends which real estate agents they have used. Ask your family and friends what they liked and didn’t like about them and if they would recommend these realtors. Also, drive through some of the neighborhoods where you wouldn’t mind buying a home. Look at the real estate signs in those neighborhoods. Real estate agents whose signs are on those homes are more likely to know the neighborhood than others who haven’t spent as much time there.
Also consider going to national real estate companies to find a real estate agent. Large companies have hired real estate agents who are generally very experienced to help guide you through the real estate process.
How to find the right real estate agent
Interview several real estate agents before decoding the one you really want to use. You’ll want to visit each real estate agent and get a good idea of what that person can do for you and if they can help you. Ask them how long they have been doing this and feel free to ask them relevant questions about your particular real estate needs. If they know the answers out of their heads, they probably have experience. But if they are willing to find the answer and contact you, you can probably count on them to do the research you need.
Some real estate agents will want you to sign a non-compete agreement before starting. This may or may not be a good idea. A non-compete agreement means that you agree for a specified period of time to buy a home only through that particular realtor. This is good only for the real estate agent. If in the end you don’t like the real estate agent, you can’t just get up and go.
Checking your real estate agent
When you think you’ve landed on the real estate agent you want to use, check it out with the appropriate licensing agencies in your state. Make sure they are registered as a real estate agent there. Ask the real estate agent for a couple of references and call those people. Ask those other clients any questions you want about the real estate agent. Those who have worked with the real estate agent may be able to tell you better than anyone what that real estate agent can actually do for you.
Finding a real estate agent that meets your needs may take some time, but it will be worth the search when you find someone trustworthy, knowledgeable, and able to find the perfect home you’ve been looking for.
