Choose a Buyers Agent with Accuracy
When looking for a qualified real-estate agent, never interview just one candidate. It’s important that you find someone who you feel as confident in as you do your chosen lender. Home shopping in Los Angeles requires you to have a team you can trust, who understands the hardships of home buying in a rapidly changing, fast moving market and is able to tackle any potential challenges. Remember - negotiation is key! The only way to win your dream home in LA is to find the right agent for you!
Before you narrow your choice down to the agents you want to interview, check out their online portfolio: website, instagram and facebook. Don’t forget to check out their reviews on Yelp, Google, Zillow and Facebook. Make sure their brand conveys a dedicated work ethic and a vast knowledge of real estate in your desired area. Only reach out to agents that you feel confident will be able to represent you well as a buyer.
Some good basic questions for you to ask:
Are you a full time agent?
How long have you been in residential real estate sales?
How many homes have you bought or sold in my area in the past year?
Are you knowledgeable about my area?
Do you typically work in my price range?
What is your strategy to meet my needs?
What other professionals do you typically partner with to help me buy a home?
Do I have to work with the lender, inspector, or other service providers you recommend?
Can you recommend a great lender?
How will you keep me informed? By what method and how frequently?
How many clients (both sellers and buyers) are you currently representing?
How long does it take typical buyers you’ve worked with to find a home and close?
Do you work independently or with a team? Do you have an assistant?
On average, how many homes do you generally show your buyers?
In which towns or neighborhoods do you do the most business?
Do you use e-signature?
IF you like these answers. Move on and ask these Round 2 Questions.
Do you attend all home inspections?
What form of buyer’s broker agreement do you work under?
How do you typically negotiate? What’s your negotiation style?
What makes you different from other buyer’s agents?
When clients are unhappy with your service, what has gone wrong?
When interviewing the agent, it’s important to check-in with yourself and make sure you would be comfortable sharing with them any pitfalls you may have and asking questions about any paperwork you do not understand. Buying a home is one of the biggest commitments in your life. Doing your homework and choosing an agent who you believe in, will keep this an exciting and enjoyable time for you.
Agents are not public servants and do not work for free. Though it is important to note: as a buyer you pay your agent absolutely nothing! Their commission is split from the seller’s side which is negotiated by the listing agent who is representing the subject property. Do not ask an agent to work for you if you do not intend to move forward with them on your purchase. Once you commit to an agent, even in this competitive market - commit to working with them. If they don’t close a deal or find you a home and you are unhappy with their tenacity, be honest and let the agent know. Agents are commission driven and therefore, until you close on the home they are ultimately working for free. It’s always good practice to give integrity when asking for it.
Happy House Hunting!
Mike Mcgill
