4 Tips for Working with a Buyer’s Real Estate Agent
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If you’ve read Use These 3 Tips to Find a Great Realtor!, then you know how to find the right buyer’s agent. But how do you work with him or her? The following tips will show you how to build a great working relationship so that you can streamline your search for the perfect piece of property.
1. Work with the Seller’s Agent too!
All too often, the actual property showing is left up to the buyer’s agent and not the seller’s agent. This creates a problem because even though your buyer’s agent may know the area quite well, only the seller’s agent is armed with all the information about the property that you’re looking at. Make it clear to your agent that you want the seller’s agent present at all showings.
2. No Double Agents
Many realtors are either dual agents (both buyer and seller agents) or they happen to work in the same office as the seller’s agent that represents the properties you’re looking at. This creates a massive conflict of interest because the seller’s agent has an obligation to act in the best interests of the seller, not you. If at all possible, steer clear of properties that are represented by your real estate agent or another agent from his or her office.
3. Define Your Objectives
One of the largest reasons people work with buyer’s agents is because these professionals are supposed to do the legwork for you. This means that you shouldn’t be the one sifting through endless lists of property descriptions. However, in order for your agent to find listings that will be of interest to you, you need to set clear objectives right from the start. Make sure your agent knows exactly the type of property you want, the neighborhoods you’re interested in, and any other considerations that would make or break a deal.
4. Ask the Right Questions
When your buyer’s agent sends you a list of homes from the MLS, ask them why they thought each property might be of interest to you. This might sound like a quarrelsome thing to do, but actually, this exercise is meant to get you and your agent on the same page.
For example, your agent may respond by saying that each property was in a neighborhood that you mentioned, but what if finding a great neighborhood isn’t at the top of your list of priorities? You’ll find that this is a great way to refine goals and speed up the property search.
Finding the right realtor is only half the battle. The next challenge is establishing the rules of the property hunt and making sure that both you and your agent stick to them. Start with these tips and you’ll have a shorter, easier and more enjoyable shopping experience!