Hiring an agent is a major decision for any homebuyer. A good agent not only has your goals and interests at heart, but they also have the knowledge, experience, and network to keep the process moving forward.
It’s imperative you do ample research, as this is a major purchase. After all, finding an agent is one of the earliest steps in the homebuying process, but it’s not the first. Here are 6 things every buyer or seller should do before hiring an agent.
Clean It Up
For buyers, this means cleaning up your credit and getting your budget in order. Any outstanding debt you can pay off will help you get better interest rates on a mortgage.
Ask for Recommendations
Chances are you know someone who has had a wonderful — and also a terrible — experience with a realtor. Ask your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone you trust if they have a recommendation. Also, do some research online beforehand.
Get Pre-Approved
Siciliano suggests that buyers talk to a lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage so your real estate agent won’t waste time on homes out of your budget.
Know Your Area
For buyers, researching where you want to live can help your agent hit the ground running. Look for areas that meet your current and anticipated future needs.
Visit Open Houses
Open houses can be educational. You use open houses — even if you aren’t ready to make an offer — to help you prioritize your needs and wants.
Know What You Want in an Agent
Before you begin interviewing real estate agents, you’ll want to get a good idea of the qualities you need in this partnership. Do you need an agent who is good with technology? Would you like an agent who has successfully help purchase homes in your area? Come up with a list of interview questions and talk to several candidates before making a choice.
Buying a home comes with a lot of stress, anxiety, and doubt. This is a big decision, perhaps even one of the biggest. Doing some legwork before you hire an agent can help you be more knowledgeable about your options. You want an agent who will come on board with a strategy custom-tailored to your needs, so you have to understand your goals ahead of time. When your expectations match a realtor’s reality, big wins happen for everyone.
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