Looking for a Real Estate Agent? Don't Make the Following Mistakes
Posted on: 13 June 2018
Getting ready to purchase a home? If so, you'll need to find an agent who can help you out from start to finish. The home-buying process can be difficult to navigate, especially as a first-time buyer, and an agent will help walk you through the process. Here are some mistakes that can be made when looking for your own real estate agent.
Hiring a Family Member or Friend
The process of finding a home is challenging, and the realtor doesn't make a commission on the sale until you actually close on a house. If you think you are doing your family member or friend a favor by asking them to be your agent, you may be putting stress on your relationship. Your agent will be spending a lot of time to help find a home, and if you do not end up making a purchase, all of that time will be spent with no payoff. This is not a good position to put someone in if you know them personally.
In addition, you want to find an agent who has relevant experience so that the process goes smoothly. Hiring someone that you know means that you may not be getting the most qualified person for the job.
Hiring the Seller's Agent
If you find a home you want during an open house, the seller's agent may ask to represent you for the sale of the home. Ideally, you'll want your own agent to navigate the purchase process for you. The seller's agent is going to do things that are in the best interest of the seller, not you. Hiring your own agent means that they will fight for you during negotiations and make sure you are getting a good deal.
Not Checking References
Real estate agents may be individuals who you work with, but you should still check their reviews before you commit to using them. This can be done by asking for references of people who have recently used them to purchase a home. Having a couple people confirm that the real estate agent did a great job for them will give you peace of mind that your purchase will go smoothly as well.
There are just a few of things to look out for when finding a real estate agent. By taking the time to find one who is qualified, it will make the entire home-buying process easy for you.
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