Katy 4 U - Home Buyers Interview Real Estate Agents Before Selecting One
One of the most important decisions any person will make during their life time is the decision to buy a home and along with that decision is another almost as important decision as which Real Estate Agent to use. My advise is simple interview several potential candidates. Don't make the mistake of relying on what drinking buddies suggested as to an agent or what your sorority sisters said was a really good looking agent so you should him.. use your own good brain for this important decision and find the best agent in the area(s) you want to live who meets your needs and requirements of a good agent for you and your family. Meet the agent at his/her office or at a neutral site or at least conduct a phone interview and ask questions. Here are some questions that you might want to ask or at least consider asking:
* Are you an Accredited Buyers Representative? How long have you been an agent? What Real Estate Designations or Credentials do you hold? Before you were an agent what did you do and how does help you to be a better agent? Do you hold any other professional licenses, degrees or successful professional experience that makes you a better agent than other agents?
* Can you give me 3 or more references from past buyers and the ability for me to contact them?
* Do you have specialized real estate knowledge/experience? What areas or neighborhoods do you know best?
* Are you a full service agent? What services will you provide me as we go through the entire home buying process?
* Who will pay for the Brokers/Agent services? Will I have to pay any additional costs if I select you as my agent?
* Do you personally do the work all along the transaction trail or do you use assistants? If you use assistants what aspects do the assistants work on and how much contact do I have with you? ( Watch out for the supposed "SUPER AGENTS" with huge teams... I personally love it when one of my buyer clients picks a home which is listed by one of these groups as they have too many people trying to handle one deal and their internal communication is poor at best).
*Will you help me with negotiating the deal and make suggestions to me as we put together offers and or counteroffers?
* Will you provide guidance as to financing options, mortgage choices and budgeting? Do you understand the different financing vehicles that are available? ( Don't assume that even experienced agents really understand as many times they do not and they sometimes give their clients terrible advice)
* Can you introduce me to other service providers such as home inspectors, mortgage professionals, insurance agents, movers, etc.?
* Do you review the HUD 1 and attend the actual closing to help me with any issues that might come up?
* What else to you bring to table that will help me find a really good home an a reasonable price?
I personally love to be interviewed and frankly speaking expect to get selected as their agent a very high percentage of the time by potential clients who do take the time to interview me in person or over the phone.
If you have any questions about homes for sale in the Katy or surrounding areas or other questions contact me at robert.gilbert@garygreene.com or visit us on the web at www.katy4u.com
Bob