When you’re ready to buy a property, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is which buyers agency to choose. A good agent can help you get through the buying process as stress-free as possible, while a poor agent may make the process more difficult (and more expensive) than it has to be. When it comes to choosing a buyers agency, your goal should be to find someone with whom you can easily communicate and who shares your objectives—not just in terms of buying a house (which is, after all, the goal of all buying agents), but in terms of doing so in a way that prioritizes your needs as a buyer and gets you the best home for the best price.
There is no magic formula for finding a great agent, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances. In the sections below, we’ll go over what all buyers should seek for in a buyers agency to help them with their home search, as well as how to go about finding the suitable agent.
What should you look for while choosing a buyers agency?
Every professional buyers agency has a set of skills that distinguishes them as a top choice when it comes to buying a home. So, what do these powers entail? They’ll vary according on your needs, but at the very least, you should search for a buying agency that has these five essential qualities.
It is critical to have effective communication.
When it comes to buying a home, communication between the buyer and the agent—and the purchasing agent and the selling agent—is just as important as open houses and inspections. Hire a real estate agent with whom you can communicate easily and who is happy to answer any questions you may have about the home-buying process.
You can trust our experience.
It’s critical to enquire about a potential agent’s experience with buying and selling homes, but don’t stop there. Inquire about their typical list-to-sale-price ratio and how long it takes their clients to find and close on a new home. You’ll want to work with a buyer’s agency that has a track record of putting buyers in homes promptly (and getting them a great deal, too).
In-depth knowledge of the local market
Every market is different. Whether you’re buying in the city, the suburbs, or the countryside, you’ll need a buyers agency that knows the region like the back of their hand and can help you navigate the quirks. Simply asking about local market expertise is an effective way to assess it. Inquire about the basics, such as the average time on the market for newly listed properties and normal selling prices, as well as any unique trends you should be aware of in your region.
Positive response was received.
Online reviews are one of your most essential resources when it comes to choosing a realtor. Read all of the reviews you can discover before determining who you’ll work with and look for an agent whose previous clients have only had wonderful things to say about their experiences. (Be cautious to distinguish between complaints about a particular realtor and complaints about the stress of the home-buying process if there are any.)
Chemistry between people
Finally, you should work with a realtor with whom you feel at ease. Because you’ll be spending so much time together, it’s critical to work with someone you like spending time with and who knows your needs. Believe your instincts on this one—if you’re getting bad vibes, go with your gut and find someone else.
Are you searching for a representative? Here’s how to get started.
Finding a good buyers agency to assist you buy a house won’t take long if you know where (and how) to look.
Begin by seeking local agent references from friends, family, coworkers, and anybody else you may trust. When it comes to selecting a buyers agency, previous buyers may be one of your most helpful tools since they can speak frankly about their own experiences. Furthermore, you can trust that if a friend or family member provides a reference, it is because they enjoyed working with that agent and would do so again.
Turn to the internet if you don’t know anybody you can ask for a referral from. Look for agents in your area using an online realtor search, then note down a few names of folks you’d like to work with and do some further study. Examine their ratings and portfolio for information that will help you make an informed decision. Consider if you have any unique needs for which you’d want to find an experienced agent, such as a military relocation or the necessity for a short-term rental throughout the purchasing process.
And, just as you wouldn’t restrict your search to one name when searching for a moving company or a storage unit, don’t limit your search to one name when looking for a moving company or a storage unit. Find at least three different buyers agencies that you feel might be able to help you in the purchase of a house, and do a brief interview with each of them to see whether they contain the qualities listed in the previous section. Don’t be afraid to come out as picky—this is a big commitment, and you want to make sure you choose someone who will make it as simple as possible.
Final thoughts
Even if you do a lot of research, you may not be able to locate an agent who is a suitable match for you. If your personalities or ideas don’t fit, or if you see that they aren’t doing their job well, you should transfer agents.
Your ability to change agents throughout the selling process will be limited by the kind of agent agreement you choose at the outset.
The most important thing to remember is that a qualified buyers agency is key to a successful sale; hence, if things aren’t going well, it’s best to end a partnership as soon as possible. We’ve put together a complete guide on how to figure out when and how to discontinue your relationship with your buyers agency.