How to Choose a Buyer’s Agent!
You are about to embark on what is likely the biggest purchase you have ever made and one that has probably entailed some serious frugality on your part, to save that 20% downpayment. A consummate professional who is there to protect your interests is an absolute necessity. In order to make sure you have the right person on your side requires some effort on your part.
Although many people know at least one agent that does not mean they are the right person for you. What I suggest, as the first step would be to attend some open houses and pay attention. How do these agents interact with the buyers, how knowledge are they about the property and neighborhood, and most importantly, how well do they listen and is there a rapport between the 2 of you.
You will be working with this person for many months and they will end up knowing more about you than your best friend. Trust is paramount here. A good agent will continue the relationship past closing and be there as a resource for years and sometimes generations to come. Parents refer children and so on.
Once you narrow down who you think will be a good fit I suggest doing one of 2 things or even both. Invite them for a coffee. Treat this like an interview, you can find plenty of questions to ask online. Talk to them about what you are looking for in a home, building and neighborhood. What are the reasons for your purchase and most importantly what is your timing. Ask the agent what strategy they would employ to meet your goals. Really listen here to see if they heard you, this is vital. If you are still uncertain take them out for a test run. Go look at a few apartments with them. You’ll be able to tell by what they take you to see if they heard you. Do they ask insightful questions to the listing broker and are they listening to you when you share your feedback about the space?
Once you are comfortable, you will sign a buyer exclusive committing to the relationship and to covering all or part of their fee if the seller does not. Don’t get hung up on this part, if it does happen a good agent will earn that fee and then some. Their skill at negotiating the best price and terms for you as well as helping you remain calm as the waters get turbulent, (which they often do) will be priceless.
Finally I will add that an agent is like a project manager. Finding the right apartment is just one slice of a much greater pie. Please reach out to me and I am happy to forward you a document I put together of what a good buyers agent will and should do for you.
Good luck on this exciting and rewarding journey!
Written by. Danielle Sevier | (E) dsevier@compass.com , (M) 917.991.5386
