Are you preparing to buy your first home (or first home in a long time)? The real estate market is always changing, and even experienced home buyers can feel like it’s their first venture out into the market. The selection of the right real estate expert is one of the most important steps, regardless of your starting point. Today, we’ll talk about how to choose a real estate agent when buying your next home.
Do you want a seamless and straightforward home buying process? One of our detailed buying guides will help!
Why Work With an Agent at All?
Consider that your home is much more than an address and a place to live. This will be the biggest, or at least one of the biggest, financial investments you’re going to make in your life. Having an experienced consultant you can count on through thick and thin is essential for your success. The benefits of choosing a real estate agent that is experienced and knowledgable are well-documented.
You will have access to more listings beyond what you find on the MLS® and Realtor.ca. A greater selection doesn’t just mean you have more negotiating power; it gives you a better chance at finding not just any house, but the right house.
An experienced agent knows what to look for in a home as well as what to avoid. Their keen eye can often save you from bidding on a house that turns out to be problematic.
Additionally, it’s important to choose a real estate agent that will advocate for you and work tirelessly to promote your best interests. This can result in purchasing a house for the lowest price the market will bear. This representation is always valuable, but is especially critical in competitive situations.
Thinking about downsizing or retiring in Guelph? The posts below can help you chart out your path:
- Is Guelph a Nice Place to Retire?
- Why Downsizing in Retirement Might Be a Terrible Idea
- Where to Find Downsizing Help for Seniors
What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent
With such an impactful decision, choosing a real estate agent is not something you want to do at random. Someone that you meet at an open house, a family friend or a casual acquaintance isn’t necessarily the right fit, even if you feel a sense of obligation.
Going outside your social circle may feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially if a distant relative presses a business card into your hand at every family gathering. Nevertheless, this is your home, and you’re about to embark on a life-changing decision. Your number one priority is to learn how to choose a real estate agent with the skills to ensure that you make a good purchase.
Here are a few qualifications to look for before signing a Buyer’s Representation Agreement.
Is the real estate agent knowledgeable about the specific area where you want to purchase?
It’s important that the agent you’re working with is familiar with all the different neighbourhoods. Intimate local knowledge is required so they can make sure that you’re buying a home in a location that suits your lifestyle and will be a good investment.
The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for three to five years. Future saleability empowers you to move up the property ladder when you decide to later sell your house. If you’re a first-time buyer, there is a tendency to be overly emotional about your home and location.
If you fall in love at first sight, you may be tempted to offer too much right out of the gate. An experienced Realtor® is there to keep you grounded so you make wise decisions based on solid information. This is why it’s important to know you are choosing a real estate agent who also understands the fair market value in that neighbourhood. Detailed research and analysis help to ensure you don’t overpay for a house.
How will the real estate agent help you find your home?
Many less established agents will simply set you up on an automatic listing email drip and then leave you to it. Since that’s something you could easily do yourself, why bother?
One of the first questions to ask a potential candidate is if they have access to off-market listings or other avenues to find your home. Networking and connecting with other real estate professionals and previous clients can open doors you didn’t realize were possible. Whatever Realtor® you hire, make sure they are working for you.
What separates the agent from everyone else in the marketplace?
When choosing a real estate agent for buying, you should ensure the agent is bringing unique value and insight to the table. Often, this could be something that you don’t expect.
For example, maybe they have a really great construction background. This skillset is imperative if you’re looking at pre-construction or for a new build.
Perhaps they have access to tons of off-market listings, or they are an expert in your specific neighbourhood that you’re looking to purchase.
Whatever it is, your agent should have extensive qualifications as well as a dedication to exceptional client service. You never want to feel like you’re on your own, especially in a complex situation.
Do you want to know more about how to choose a real estate agent for selling a property? Check out Tough Questions to Ask Your Realtor® When Selling Your House.
Can the real estate agent negotiate?
Another key point to consider when choosing a real estate agent is exceptional negotiation skills. Part of our jobs as real estate agents is to advocate for the best price and terms on the house that you’re purchasing.
If your agent is inexperienced and against a listing agent who’s a strong negotiator, you could pay thousands of dollars more than you need to. Buying your first house is an expensive endeavour as it is, and it’s critical that you get the best possible value so you can begin building equity.
Are you in the beginning stages of buying your next house? The posts below will help you map out a strategy:
- Should You Buy or Rent?
- 10 Things To Consider When Buying a Home
- Common Closing Costs to Expect When Buying a Home
How do you feel about the real estate agent?
If there’s one final piece of advice on how to hire a Realtor®, it’s not to discount your own instincts and feelings on the matter. While you don’t want to choose a real estate agent based solely on your emotions. However, your impressions also matter.
It’s essential that you feel comfortable and at ease with whoever you pick to be your Realtor®. Communication is the key to a positive outcome when buying a house. That can’t happen with someone who is unapproachable, unresponsive, or makes you feel as though you’re bothering them.
With so much at stake, you can never ask too many questions. When it really comes down to choosing a real estate agent, they should checks off every box when it comes to expertise and track record, and your final decision comes down to comfort and trust.
Do you want more real estate tips and personal guidance while searching for your home? Our top Guelph real estate agents are here for you. Reach out today at info@gowylde.ca or call 519-826-7109 for more information.
