10 tips for selecting a Buyer's Agent

As a prospective homebuyer, selecting the right real estate professional is critical. In today's rapidly changing market good homes may only be on the market for a very short time. You need a tech savvy agent that will keep you up-to-date and , most importantly, a Realtor who is capable of keeping you legally compliant when faced with confusing contracts or tough negotiations.

Here are 10 tips to help guide you.

1. Interview at least three real estate professionals.
   
   
   • Ask family members, friends, neighbors or co-workers whom would they choose if they were buying?
     
     
   • Look in area homes magazines, agent yard signs, and the internet...you're already on the Dalton-Homes.com web site, now would be a good time to contact David or Lynn Wade
     
     
2. Call and arrange an interview with the agents. Talking face-to-face with the person is the best way to find out if your personalities and goals are a match. Here are some of the questions you should ask.
   
   
   • "Are you a Realtor?" Realtors adhere to a Code of Ethics, which are guilde lines designed to signify competency, fairness, and integrity resulting from a devotion to moral conduct in business relations.
     Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors and are generally full-time agents.
     
     A Realtor who has committed financially, educationally and professionally to becoming a Broker or an Associated Broker is considered an expert in the real estate industry.
     
     
   • "How often will you notify me of new listings?" In our market area, good well priced houses have been known to go under contract within a few hours after entering the market. You need a Realtor who is serious about finding you the right home. Buyers should expect to hear from their Realtor whenever a home matching their description appears on the market.
     
     On our three web sites (Dalton-Homes.com, HousesInDalton.com and HousesInCatoosa.com) you can setup and save as many home searches as you wish. You can also have our automated system email you whenever a new listing meeting your search criteria enters the market.
     
     
   • "How quickly can I expect you to return phone calls?" You don't want to be ignored. If the agent doesn't have a callback policy, you may not get the service you expect.
     
     
   • "Are you a full-time agent?" "Hobby agents" aren't as capable of meeting your expectations because their attention is divided by other responsibilities. Limit your selection to full-time real estate agents.
     
     
   • "How long have you been a Realtor?" Experience is the key. As stated earlier, Brokers and Associate Brokers have the most advanced training and are experienced in managing the most complex situations. You want and agent that "has been their and knows how to handle that." By choosing an experienced broker or agent, you will better informed and advised.
     
     
   • "Who will you represent in my transaction?" A Listing Agent (the agent who's name is on the yard sign) is paid by the Seller to represent the "Seller's" best interest. And, depending on local MLS rules or board bylaws, the agent representing you may be a subagent for the seller (not what you want as a Buyer). Find an agent who can truly represent your best interest and not the Seller's. You may want to consider hiring a Buyer's Agent.
     
     The cost for Lynn or David to represent you as a "Buyer's Agent" is 100% free of charge!
     
     
   • "How long have you actively worked in the area?" While the answer to this question shouldn't necessarily be a deal-breaker, an agent who has worked in the area a long time may be more aware of properties that match your description and of area market history.
   
   
3. Compare interview notes. Think about each agent, and decide which one is right for you. You should choose someone who is aggressive, but at the same time doesn't make you feel anxious or pressured.
4. Experience pays. Experienced real estate professionals often earn designations that separate them from the pack. These designations are earned through training that helps the agent become a specialist in certain areas. Pay attention to agents who have designations listed after their names on business cards. Specifically ask the agent what each one means.
5. Find an agent who is savvy about technology. Through the online tools available to agents these days, you can expect nearly immediate e-mails about new property listings and quick replies to your queries.
6. Ask for references. This shouldn't be a big deal; it's a last-step investigation that could confirm or reject your impression of the agent.
7. Before signing a contract, know that the term "Disclosed Dual Agent" often means that the real estate agency does not represent your interests 100 percent. Try using a Buyer's Agent to represent you.
8. Select a strong negotiator. Ask your agent whether he or she has ever been in a tough negotiation and how he or she negotiated a fair price.
9. Talk money. Usually the seller foots the bill for a real estate professional's commission, but don't assume this will be the case. Ask point-blank what your financial obligations are.