Your Real Estate Agent Matters

Thinking of buying a home? Are you dreading the number of homes you may have to look at before finding the perfect home?  Are you worried your offer may not be accepted? Are you concerned about all the documentation?

Using a professional real estate agent can relieve the stress and challenges of buying a home.  To do this, you must be able to distinguish an average agent from a great one.

Here are 4 requirements to make of your real estate agent when buying a home:

1. Know the Market Value

When making an offer, make sure your agent walks you through the strategy for getting both the seller – and the bank – to accept that price.  In a competitive real estate market, you need an agent who is going to help you make the best’‘initial offer’ so that yours stands out from other offers.

In today’s market, houses must be sold twice – first to you and then to your lender.  The second sale may be more difficult than the first. When prices are surging, it is difficult for appraisers to find good comparable sales (similar houses in the neighborhood that sold recently) to substantiate the agreed upon purchase price. A red flag should go up if your agent is not discussing this with you at the time of your original offer.

2. Understand Your Timetable

Whether your move revolves around the start of the new school year, a new job or a change in circumstance, you will be on a timetable.  This can be emotionally draining and stressful.  Make sure your agent works hard to make it happen according to your schedule.

3. Remove as Many of the Challenges as Possible

It is imperative your agent knows how to handle challenges that will arise. An agent’s ability to negotiate is critical in this market.  They not only need to negotiate the purchase price, they may also need to negotiate inspection issues.  They will need to stay on top of dates and deadlines dealing with title, HOA’s, surveys, appraisals, due diligence documents and more.

4. Find the RIGHT House!

The reason you are moving is important. Make sure your agent understands your motivations. Make sure they are proactive.  Make sure they are upfront with you and know how to handle difficult situations when they arise.

Good agents know how to deliver good news. Great agents know how to deliver tough news. In today’s market, YOU NEED A GREAT AGENT!