First Time Home Buyers - Choosing a Real Estate Agent

- Anita Johnston

This may be one of the hardest decisions you will make when you are ready to buy your first home. There are so many different real estate agents and real estate companies out there today, so how can find one that you can trust, will take your interest to heart, and will help you find the home of your dreams with your preferences?

The number one thing you should do is find a real estate agent that has experience. You may believe that your friend that just received their real estate license would be the best, however, they do not know all the ins and outs of the market and if they are that new, they may not be able to negotiate the best deal around. You should find an agent that has been selling real estate for at least two years. This way they should at least know how to approach the buyer and answer all your questions for when it comes down to the closing.

Next, look for dedication. When you are searching for a new home for the first time, you are more than ready to find your home and move in. However, if you find a real estate agent that only works part-time then you may be on the road for a long haul. You should find an agent with as much enthusiasm for finding your home as you do. If they are willing to keep searching and put forth full time dedication to finding you a home with your preference then you know they will get the job done. However, if you call them to ask on their progress and they give you some kind of story after two or three days that they have not been able to locate a home for you to even look at, then you have made a big mistake. Remember, once you sign the agreement, this real estate agent is your agent until the contract is up. You do not want to have an agent that drags their feet. If you sign a year’s contract with them, you will have to stick with them until the bitter end.

Ask about their education. In some states, a person can become a licensed real estate agent with only one 40-hour class and a multiple-choice test. You would more than likely know more than this agent on any given day. However, if they have been in the busy for a long time with a proven track record for buyer’s education can of course be ignored.

Do not just call any real estate agent and then sign their agreement. Talk with them in person and get to know more about how they conduct business. You should be able to get an idea once you meet the person if you can work along side them to find the home that you deserve.

Trust your instincts. This is probably the most important thing when finding a real estate agent that you will be willing to work with through the entire process of finding and buying your first home.