For many homebuyers, the homebuying process begins with an internet search, and it’s only after they’ve found properties to tour that they start thinking about connecting with a real estate agent.
Out of hundreds (or even thousands) of agents in your area, how do you find an agent that not only understands what you want but also has the bandwidth to take on another client?
Even though everyone wants to hire a rockstar buyer’s agent, 73% of buyers interviewed by this National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey said that they only talked to one agent when they started the buying process.
Still, if you’ve never hired a real estate agent, you may not know what sets the best agents apart from the mediocre ones. Read on to find out.
How Does the Buyer’s Agent Prefer to Communicate?
Do you love chatting on the phone? If your real estate agent communicated solely by text, would you be irritated that they can’t be bothered to pick up the phone and give you a call? A mismatch between communication styles is frustrating for agents and homebuyers alike, but a few simple questions at the beginning of your relationship will sort out any future misunderstandings.
Ask your agent these four questions:
- How often will you touch base with me?
- What’s your preferred method of communication?
- What are the best hours to talk to you?
- How soon can I expect a response when I leave you a message?
Best Buyer’s Agent Character Traits
There is a wide range of personalities in real estate, but the best agents all have similar character traits.
Friendly- A real estate agent doesn’t need to be an extrovert, but they should be friendly and approachable. They genuinely like people and you can tell by their demeanor that they’re happy to help you out.
Integrity- An agent that misrepresents their abilities and experience has the potential to cost you tens of thousands of dollars. An agent with integrity is an agent you can trust and even refer to your friends and family.
Meticulous- Being detail-oriented matters when the result of missing a deadline or signature could sink your housing negotiations. A careful agent that pays attention to important details will help your homebuying experience go smoothly.
Market-savvy- Staying up on trends is a sign that the agent has a strong network and is engaging regularly with industry experts. A market-savvy agent is more likely to be able to identify if a neighborhood is gentrifying or if a proposed shopping center is going to affect property values in the area.
Zillow interviewed recent homebuyers and asked them what they considered to be important agent characteristics. Many respondents suggested additional essential skills, like strong negotiating abilities and a positive community reputation. When you sit down and chat with potential buyer’s agents, ask them more than just general questions. Find out how knowledgeable they are about real estate, and see if their style meshes with your needs.
Source: Zillow
How Knowledgeable Is the Buyer’s Agent?
A buyer’s agent with a deep understanding of the local market is going to be well-positioned to help you navigate whatever unique situations you may encounter.
But how can you tell the difference between a knowledgeable buyer’s agent and an agent with casual knowledge of your target area?
Talk to the buyer’s agent about the kind of homes they’ve sold in the past year. Do they only deal with single-family homes? Do they specialize in homes above a certain price point? Purchasing a million-dollar home will be a different process than buying a townhome. If they have more experience buying and selling land, and you’re looking for the perfect piece of property on which to build your dream house, then they will know the ins and outs surrounding your purchase.
Even before you contact an agent, you can look through their stats on AgentStory and see the neighborhood in which they’re most active. You’ll be able to see how many homes the agent has sold in the past year, and you’ll know if they’re more experienced representing the buyer or the seller. AgentStory connects you with the best local agents.
Does the Buyer’s Agent Ask YOU Questions?
You might expect to ask the buyer’s agent all kinds of questions about their expertise and communication style as you get to know them, but you should also expect them to ask you questions. A good buyer’s agent will want to know how prepared you are to buy a home, where you are in the financing process, and what your expectations are.
They will want to know how realistic you are about the kind of home you can afford and how long it will take you to find a home in the current market. They understand that your time is valuable, and will want to make sure that they’re a good fit for you.
A Word of Warning: No Dual Agents
A dual agent is an agent or brokerage that represents both the buyer and the seller in the real estate transaction. While the ethics around this scenario are fuzzy, it is legal in 42 states. A dual agent may be sincere about hammering out a great deal between a buyer and seller, but when a seller wants to capitalize on the sale of their home and a buyer wants to negotiate for the lowest price, how can a dual agent serve the needs of both parties?
Pro-tip: Hire a buyer’s agent who is 100% committed to helping you find the right house at a price you can afford.
The Bottom Line
If you’re unsure of the kinds of questions you should ask a buyer’s agent, this article from AgentStory will help you shape the conversation. Be respectful of their time when you talk with them. Offer to take them out for coffee, see if you’d be a good fit, and then let them know within a few days if you’ll be working with them.
A top-notch real estate agent plugs you into the local community so that your transition into the next stage of your life goes effortlessly. Take some time to interview a few agents before starting the homebuying process and increase your chances of having a positive buying experience.
