At a wedding, I overheard my friend’s conversation about his first home buying experience. “The agent didn’t answer any of my questions, man”, “In hind sight, he only wanted to sell the house”, “I found out later the entire [development] has problems that [my agent] didn’t tell me about.” This is far too common. Less so nowadays (a lot of bad agents have disappeared), but still be prepared.
Last week, I gave you 3 Rules of First Time Homebuying. In Rule 3, I mention you need to find a good agent. Not only must they be good, they need to match your personality. You want your agent to be your friend, someone you enjoy working with. Here, we talk a little more in depth about what goes into that.
Why do you care? Simple, avoid buyer’s remorse. Here are some bad traits of agents. Just try to imagine if your agent has any of these and tell me you’ll have fun:
- Unresponsive agents – How can you be represented by someone who doesn’t respond to calls. Comeon!
- Dropping the Ball – It happens, to everyone. You can’t avoid it in life, but you DO NOT drop the ball with your client (as an agent).
- Pushy Salesman - Face it; it’s a commission industry, yet the best agents will represent what the buyer wants and advise in that direction.
- Agents Who don’t Hustle – Agent’s can’t and don’t know everything but, they better try to find your answer like yesterday.
It seems obvious. I know, but it’s like common sense. Sometimes hard to get right. Great, now here’s some steps to help with finding a good agent:
1. Ask your friends and family their experience with their agents
Start with those people that you trust. But remember, a grain of salt with their recommendations. Most likely you’ll get a few names. Maybe two that are absolutely loved and recommended. A few he’s okays, and the long sigh as they mention their agent’s name. Only look at the most loved. Don’t even bother with the ‘okay’ groups.
2. Do background research on the names recommended to you
Google.com is your best friend. You can find out loads of information about a person. Just don’t friend them on Facebook. That’s a bit stalkerish.
3. Initial Phone Call
Spend at least 10 minutes talking to the agent. I want to make sure you’re getting past the hi’s and hello’s. Too many people’s first phone call last no more than 3 minutes. Some questions to help: What area or locations are you most familiar with? How long have you been in the business? What are the best days you’re available?
For this, you’re not necessarily looking for the answer that exactly match what you’re looking for. Honest and straight forward answers is where it’s at.
4. First Contact
First contact people try to judge too heavily. Be yourself and have fun. Look at homes, talk about your lives. Everyone is nice during the first meeting, but there’s too many fronts. Since everything is so nicey nicey, it’s hard to get an accurate picture. Just enjoy it. But, if something doesn’t feel right at this stage, that’s a red flag. Get out!
5. Followup - Right here, the money shot.
Here is where it counts. If the agent does not follow up quickly, it’s okay to walk away. Following up is such a critical factor. Easily a deal breaker right here.
Regardless, always reserve the right to say, “Thank you for your time. But, I feel like I need to go a different direction.” Don’t be afraid to do that. If whoever is representing you isn’t in the best way possible, then one, we don’t deserve your time because we are simply wasting it. Two, your home buying experience should be the greatest possible. I mean it’s your house!
How was your home buying experience? Tell us about it. Don’t be afraid to use names; this industry needs to be more transparent and get better.
Leave a Reply