Buyer's Guide

Searching homes for sale online is as easy as Sunday morning! (for all you Lionel Richie fans out there) Information is at the tip of our fingertips like we've never seen before. Many real estate companies take advantage of this and pay millions of dollars each year to capture your information while you're browsing properties. When you find that property you just have to see, you click on "Schedule a showing" and before you know it a realtor is calling you to make an appointment! It's as easy as that... but wait... who is that agent?

• How qualified are they?
• What do they know about the property?
• What do they know about the location/building?
• Have they ever sold anything in that area and price point?
• Have they asked you about getting pre approved?
• Most importantly, are they going to save you time and money by first discussing your goals? Or are they going to start showing you homes before learning what you're looking for. 

Working with the right agent will help you save time and money. So how do you know who to work with? First and foremost, there is no substitute for working with someone you trust and can work well with. Your agent should be readily available, especially in a fast moving market where you'll sometimes need to see properties the same day they are listed, or you will lose your chance. 

Things to consider when interviewing for a buyers agent

• Can they refer you to great lenders to get you pre approved for the best rate?
• What is their experience and in which areas do they work?
• Will they preview the properties with you or send you to open house alone?
• If you are across the globe and buying "site unseen," will your agent preview the property on your behalf? 
• Will they go over the purchase contract with you?
• Do they have a strategy to compete with multiple offers?
• Will they be present for all inspections, and walk you through the process from start to finish

It's highly recommended you work with a professional full time Realtor to guide you through the process. It costs nothing to work with a buyer's agent, but it could cost a lot attempting to go at it alone.