When you choose to work with a REALTOR®, you will be allowing that person an important place in one of the most personal and exciting experiences you can have - the purchase of a new home. It's OK to be extra cautious, but once you make the commitment, stick with your choice and give her the chance she deserves. A good Realtor will reward your faith by working around the clock for you.

You've narrowed your choice to a Realtor that you feel comfortable with. You are certain she or he can meet your needs and expectations. Your Realtor appears to understand your sense of urgency, is working with you to get you organized and in a position to buy, and is ready to show you homes in your price range.

Although you may be asked to sign a buyer's agreement, sign "nothing" at the first meeting. Wait a bit to sign until you are certain you have made the right choice. Once you decide, stay with that person. One reason for this is to eliminate duplication of work. There's nothing worse for a Realtor and for you than wasting time making appointments for homes you have already seen with someone else. If you are working with several Realtors, word of this will quickly get around, and you may find yourself with no one helping you. A buyer's agreement is a commitment that works both ways - it protects the Realtor, but it also assures the Realtor that the buyer is serious and committed. If you were a Realtor, for which client would you work the hardest - the one who commits to you or the one who doesn't?

Discover how well-informed the Realtor is regarding the area and the type of dwelling you wish to purchase. Learn what the turn-over rate is in the area you have chosen. Is it considered a good resale "location," should you, yourself, decide to resell? Regardless of how high or low the market currently is, at any time, you should be looking at homes that have good resale potential. A good Realtor will help point good resale features out to you based on what home buyers are currently wanting.

Accept no pressure from a Realtor. There really isn't any need. When the Realtor of your choice has found the perfect property, one which meets all your needs, wants, and expectations, in a location that is exactly where you want it to be, you had better believe he or she will be excited, and will expect you to be, too. But, if this home isn't "the one," sit down, recoup your energies, reiterate what it is you think you want, in case the Realtor honestly misinterpreted some information, and - start again. This isn't pressure, and should not be interpreted as such.

When you do find a home you like, ask to see written documentation ( the comparable market analysis(CMA)) to discover how much other similar properties have sold for, as well as other current market activity information. This will help you determine what kind of an offer to make.

Never ask a Realtor how much you should pay for any property. It simply isn't part of the job. A Realtor can, however, point out why he or she believes the owner might take less.

Chances are that no matter how good your Realtor is, she or he really has no way of knowing what the owner will take for the property. Anyone who is selling something can change their minds, and will do something entirely unexpected when an offer is placed on the table.

Your Realtor should not stop working just because you have made an offer on a home. She or he should be working behind the scenes, constantly keeping you abreast of any new properties as they become available. You can help by driving the streets, write down telephone numbers on signs you see, and call your own Realtor for the information on the property.

Realtors generally sell property for a living. Give them the respect they deserve. If they are doing a good job, stick with them. If they aren't - find someone else.

Additional Real Times Articles about: Finding an Agent

Published: December 29, 1998

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