Finding and working with a Real Estate Agent as a First-time Home Buyer

Purchasing your first property can be a daunting task. You will face a variety of paperwork, inspection issues, and general confusion about what should be done or what comes next. Fortunately, a good real estate agent can ease the entire process.

These experts know the properties for sale in your preferred locations. Also, they know the features linked to each home in the area, such as proximity to schools, zoning, and the different amenities surrounding them. Realtors can guide you through the necessary paperwork and property purchase negotiations. Here’s how to find and work with a real estate agent.

Realtors and real estate agents: Get to know the difference

All realtors are licensed to serve as real estate agents. However, not all real estate agents are realtors. These experts belong to the National Association of Realtors and act in accordance with the Code of Ethics set by NAR. The code establishes levels of conduct that are slightly higher than the ordinary business practices. A realtor can display a realtor badge or logo.

Check agent listings online

Many websites can refer reputable real estate agents to you. Remember, agents my pay a fee to get listed in these directories, which means that means there’s no assurance of quality. A good bet is to check the top real estate companies in your location.

Take the time to view each agent’s profile, experience, and what their previous clients say about the services rendered. This doesn’t mean that you should rule out the newbies. These new experts may have more time to devote to you, understand your needs better, and act in your best interests.

Attend open houses

It is possible to meet different real estate agents in non-threatening working environments and get a chance to interact with them. Attending open houses allows you to meet these experts, collect business cards, and probably note a thing or two about the specific agents you meet. Note how the expert is showing the property and interacting with the prospects. You’re looking for an agent who is informative, polite, and knowledgeable.

Get referrals from friends, colleagues, and family

Ask your family members and friends if they can recommend a reliable real estate agent, particularly someone they have had a good experience with. Ideally, you need an agent with experience working with first-time property buyers like you. This is because the needs of first-time buyers differ from those of repetitive buyers or homeowners looking to downsize.

Interview several real estate agents before hiring

This is your chance to get a sense of the agent’s style and experience. Look for an agent who’s familiar with property in a particular area and knows your budget needs as well. The interviews give you the opportunity to find out the expert’s preferred communication channels and availability.

Wrap up

The right real estate agent is someone with experience and ready to listen to all your needs and concerns. The agent should know the market very well and always act in your best interest.

Tags: real estate agent, real estate market, homeownership, home buyer, property seller