When you decide that you’re ready to buy a new home, one of the first steps you should take is to pursue financing by talking to a qualified loan officer. Partnering with the right lender will give you an idea of the amount of money you can comfortably spend on a new home purchase and put you on the path to preapproval.

Another critical preliminary step in the home buying process is to hire a real estate agent. In order to effect a successful home search and purchase with the fewest bumps in the road possible, you’ll want to partner with a crackerjack agent who has experience in the market where you are home shopping. This is even more important if you are selling an existing home as well as buying a new property.

Here are a few mistakes to avoid when making the all-important decision of hiring a real estate agent:

•Choosing an agent without meeting him or her first. Sure, you may have read about a top-notch agent in your area. You may even know someone who has used that agent’s services. But choosing an agent should be based on more than just a reputation. The personal dynamic you have with your real estate agent is crucial when making big decisions about buying a home. Bottom line? Your agent should “get” you.

•Choosing an agent who doesn’t listen to you. Not all real estate agents are created equally. While it might seem intuitive that an agent’s job is to help you realize your desires, it’s possible that an agent might feel he or she knows better than you do ��" and this could mean steering you in an entirely different direction than what you might have envisioned. Make sure you hire an agent who is willing to work with you as a guide rather than pushing an agenda. If your agent truly listens to your wishes, you’ll be sure that any advice he or she gives you is in your best interests.

•Hiring the cheapest agent you can find. Real estate agents often need to “go the extra mile” to accommodate their clients ��" and this might mean spending extra time with a client or working unusual hours to arrange showings around a client’s schedule. If you’re paying too little for your agent, chances are that you won’t be able to expect as much from him or her, so don’t base your decision solely on the commission your agent charges. 

•Hiring an agent out of obligation. It can be tempting ��" or even expected ��" to hire a close friend or family member as your agent. But if that person doesn’t have the experience or credentials you’re looking for, you might be better off with someone with whom you don’t have a personal relationship. Feeling obligated? Simply let your friend or family member know that you don’t want a working relationship to put a strain on your existing connection.

•Going with the first agent you meet. If you have no basis for comparison, chances are the first agent you talk to will sound competent and professional. After all, your first meeting is the agent’s best chance to make a good impression. Meet with a number of agents before settling on one to represent your interests.

•Neglecting to investigate references. Entering into any professional relationship necessitates some groundwork, so make sure to perform your due diligence. Don’t forget to check the references of any agent you are considering hiring ��" you don’t want to be in for any surprises.

Buying a home is a big undertaking. Joining with a compatible real estate agent can really take a lot of pressure off of you during the process. Make sure that you put in the effort to ensure that you’re choosing the agent who is the best match for you.

Want to learn more? Visit www.polimortgage.com for more information.