Select Your Buyer's Agent with Confidence

Working with an agent means more than having an expert on your side. Your agent is your partner and sounding board, protecting your interests, making the process as convenient as possible and leading the way to your eventual home purchase.

As you think about what you want in a new home, visit properties and make major decisions, your agent will be with you every step of the way. With so much at stake, it's important to choose an agent you feel comfortable with – one who will help you make this experience both memorable and rewarding.

All Real Living agents are highly trained professionals with the skills, abilities and resources to find your next home. So, when you're choosing a Real Living agent, all you need to do is find the one who fits your personality and preferences.

Interview several agents before you make your final selection, and ask important questions such as:

Q. How will you help me narrow my choices?

A. Look for someone who understands what you want – whether that's starting with a broad or narrow view of the market. Listen to how the agent speaks about options and decide if his/her approach is one you like. Whether it's about communities, homes or features, make sure you feel comfortable with your agent. S/he should explain all your options and help you separate good ones from less-than-optimal ones.

Q. What advice can you offer that's unique to my situation?

A. Are you settling into the family homestead or expecting to transfer in two years? Your unique circumstances will prompt discussion with your buyer's agent. Get a sense for how the agent can counsel you on the specifics of your circumstances. If you've got a special need – for instance, if you're a first-time homebuyer, are searching for a high-end property or are just looking for expertise on one specific neighborhood – make sure to ask your agent what qualifies him or her to help you with that special need.

Q. Why should I confine myself to working with only a single buyer's agent?

A. If you don't have an Exclusive Agency Agreement with your buyer's agent, you're not legally obligated to work with just him/her. It may, however, really benefit you to do so. Listen to the agent's philosophies on this point, and then decide what's right for you. Many buyers find that the most convenient and time efficient way to handle the home-buying process is to work with a single buyer's agent.

Q. When did you last buy a house for yourself?

A. Buying a home challenges our minds and our emotions. Does your agent understand what you're going through? Can he or she stand in your shoes and appreciate the unique challenges of the process – from your viewpoint? When your agent last bought his/her house isn't the issue as much as this: Do you feel the agent understands and empathizes with you?

Q. What happens when you're not available to me?

A. Make sure your agent explains his/her "plan B" about what to do if s/he is out of town or otherwise engaged. If you visit a home or open house without your agent, it could mean that s/he can't represent you in the eventual sale. Be sure to understand how a prospective agent handles even brief periods of unavailability.

Q. What distinguishes your real estate company from the competitor(s)?

A. Is the agent's company large because it reinvests in innovation? Does the agent's real estate firm make sure it provides access with the most cutting-edge technology tools to meet buyers' needs? Each organization should have a business philosophy that your agent can easily articulate to you.

Q. What distinguishes your personal service from other real estate agents?

A. Listen to how the agent describes his/her communication skills and willingness to be there for you – when you need them, in the way you need them. Think about how often you want to communicate, as well as when and how. Choose an agent who gives you a confident response to communicating on your terms.

After each interview, ask yourself:

• Do you feel like the agent is trustworthy and honest?
• Does s/he seem realistic when talking about your home or your anticipated home purchase?
• Do you communicate well with the agent and vice versa?
• Do you feel that the agent sees things from the same point of view?
• Would you describe him/her as committed, motivated and experienced?

Learn more about what to look for in a buyer's agent.