Step by Step to Your New Home - Choose a Real Estate Agent Part One

So, how do you choose a real estate agent to help you buy a house?

If you have a house to sell - it can be a very good idea to use the same agent who's listing your house. Some will even give a discount if you use them for both 'sides'. That's my policy. But sometimes, it's not a good idea to use the same agent.

For instance, if you are selling and buying in distinctly different markets, the selling agent may tell you it's all the same, but I would have to disagree. Urban properties are not the same as suburban properties are not the same as mountain properties. You should choose an agent who works in the type of market where you'll be buying.

You should also choose an agent who lives and works geographically close to where you hope to buy. Often, you're not sure exactly what city you'll end up in, and that's OK. There's some leeway here, but if your agent has to drive 45 minutes to show you a house, that will impact how much time they have to show you houses. What if you want to go back two or three times before you decide - will they have patience with you? What if there's only one house available to see - will they take half a day to show it?

Sometimes, I do go out of my own area to help people, but only if they say, "We really, really want YOU!" I never try to talk people into using me in places that are geographically remote. I often refer people to other agents who I know are wonderful and will help them the same way I would, if I believe those agents are a better choice for them. Which goes to show - I really do look out for your best interests, not the interests of my checking account!

If the agent listing your house has a lot of other listings, they may not have time for a lot of showings. In our current buyer's market, it's easier for agents to make money with listings - buyers are more work, more hours. Which would have more priority to that agent - driving you around, or taking an appointment to list another house? It's wise to choose an agent who truly enjoys working with buyers, and has the time to schedule at your convenience.

It's my policy to limit the number of buyers and sellers I work with at any one time. I lose sleep if I feel I'm not giving all my clients the attention they deserve, and I don't like that! So, I'll never be a mega-producer, but I will be a happy and stress-free kind of person to help you make one of the biggest decisions of your life!

Choose an agent who answers their phone, and who responds quickly to emails. 'Nuff said.

Choose an agent who respects your decisions, and who also respects your indecision. You should never feel pressured to make a decision before you're comfortable. I've had several wonderful people tell me they were sure they were my 'pickiest' clients. But guess what? Everyone is picky when they're buying a house. And in this market, they have the right to be. I will support you throughout it all.

You may have noticed that I didn't say a lot of what other agents say. For instance, 'Choose an agent who's been in business 'x' number of years', or who does a certain number of transactions, or who has certain designations (the letters that follow their names). What you really need is an agent who will work for you, who has time for you, and who you like being around.

I hope that turns out to be me - I really do love helping people find their new home!