Rules for Home Buyers Working With Real Estate Agents

If you’re looking for a new home you need to consider which route is the most effective to ensure you get the right property at the right price.

You can look for a new property by yourself, or you may wish to try a good auctioneer. But, the most common approach is to use the services of a real estate agent. A good agent will know what properties on the market, which are likely to be of interest to you and whether they are worth proceeding with.

But, it’s also easy to fall out with an estate agent, when you’re adamant that you want to see a property even though they are advising it against it. That’s why it’s important to understand the unspoken rules that should be observed to ensure you have a good working relationship with your real estate agent.

Commission

It’s important to understand that most estate agents work on commission, which means they are eager to close the sale for you and will do everything they can to help you. But, it also means that you need to listen to their advice.

If they are not on commission you’re probably best not to use their services.

Turn Up!

If you’ve made an appointment to see a property then turn up and be on time. Don’t forget that they work on commission, they’re not getting paid to wait for you if you forget to show. If you’re running late then call the estate agent and let them know.

Get The Right Agent

It can be hard to choose the right agent and you need to find someone that you can connect with. Being able to communicate easily with them will make it easier to find the right home. But, when you’re interviewing real estate agents you need to make sure all the agents know that you’re looking and that you never interview 2 agents from the same company.

Check The open House Policy

The approach to open houses differs according to the area you are viewing in. It’s a good idea to verify with your real estate agent whether it’s appropriate for you to visit a house by yourself.

Don’t forget that if you do visit an open house by yourself, you should still get your buying agent to speak to the listing agent regarding any questions you have.

Get An Agreement

You will need to sign a disclosure with your real estate agent, this is normal and you shouldn’t view any properties before you’ve signed. This will ensure you both know each other’s rights. It’s also a good idea to ask an agent if they’ll release you from the contract if you’re dissatisfied. If they can’t agree to this then they are not the agent for you.

Be Ready

We’ve already said that agents work on commission. That means they don’t want their time wasted. Before you book a viewing make sure that you’re serious about buying and that you know what you can afford. In short, you’ll need to be ready to buy, that may mean taking your checkbook with you and paying an initial deposit.

Providing you’re honest about your intentions you and your estate agent will get along perfectly.

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