| Not all that long ago the concept of buyer agency (a | | | | price in the past 12 months? - Part of being a buyer |
| real estate agent representing the buyer only in a | | | | agent is negotiating the best price possible for your |
| transaction) was relatively uncommon to the real | | | | buyer client. When interviewing your buyer agent you |
| estate industry because, at the time, most agents | | | | should know what their most recent successes have |
| represented the sellers of property or both parties. | | | | been for other buyers because there's a very real |
| Buyers of real property were in need of a real | | | | chance you will see similar results. |
| estate professional to represent their needs | | | | There are agents who constantly push for the |
| exclusively and buyer agency was born. Fast forward | | | | maximum possible price reduction before you |
| to today, there are tens of thousands of agents | | | | purchase a home and there are also agents who will |
| who represent buyers in real estate transactions so | | | | be happy if you buy a home at asking price without |
| here are seven questions to help you find the right | | | | negotiating at all. It's your money and future so |
| buyer agent for you. | | | | knowing their negotiating success is crucial to your |
| How many homes have you sold in the past year? - | | | | investment. |
| The real estate industry is home to over one million | | | | What type of incentives are being offered by |
| practicing professionals and each agent can choose | | | | builders and homeowners right now? - During down |
| whether to work part-time or full time. | | | | markets you will find a lot of home builders and |
| Sometimes you have an agent who may be licensed | | | | sometimes even homeowners who offer incentives |
| to help friends and family sell real estate and other | | | | to entice you to purchase their home. Incentives can |
| times you have the full time professional who assists | | | | range from the seller paying closing costs and HOA |
| in the buying and selling of dozens of properties each | | | | fees to car leases and free appliances. |
| year. Find out how many properties your buyer | | | | Do you have a network of contacts that I can use |
| agent has participated in the sale of over the past 12 | | | | to make my buying process easier? - Who your |
| months to get a better idea of how much | | | | buyer agent knows really does matter. What |
| experience they have in today's real estate market. | | | | happens if you need a new home inspector at the |
| How many times have you represented the buyer | | | | last minute? Having a solid network of contacts will |
| only in a home sale over the past year? - The | | | | help streamline your home buying process making it |
| representation ratio is as important to the agent's | | | | much less stressful for you. |
| ability to help you as their overall sales experience. | | | | How quickly can I expect a response from you? - A |
| Ask your buyer agent how many times they have | | | | big concern for home buyers is what is going to |
| represented the buyer only in a real estate | | | | happen once you do start the home buying process. |
| transaction because buyer representation and seller | | | | Will your agent be available by phone, text or email? |
| representation are two very different concepts. | | | | Will you have to wait three days for a response? |
| What area do you sell the most homes? - When you | | | | These are important questions to ask before you |
| begin looking for a home you will need to narrow | | | | choose your buyer agent. |
| down where your ideal living areas will be. Using an | | | | Knowing more about your buyer agent will make you |
| agent with extensive knowledge of the area you're | | | | much more comfortable about working with the |
| most interested in will aid you in finding the right | | | | agent and give you a better relationship to candidly |
| home much faster. There are many real estate | | | | discuss aspects of home buying like sale price, |
| agents who specialize in one county, city or even | | | | contingencies and what to expect throughout the |
| one town! | | | | transaction. |
| What's the most you have negotiated off a home's | | | | |