How to Select the Right Buyer’s Agent
Jan 30, 2024 brooklyn,Brooklyn Buyers,Brooklyn Buyers Agent,Brooklyn homebuyers,brooklyn real estate,buying a home,Buying in Brooklyn
As soon as you know you want to buy, you’re ready to find a real estate agent to help you in your home search. Yes, even if it’s not us. You need someone in your corner from the beginning.
While this can seem daunting there are a few essential steps to take, beginning with an easy one – consult your network. Know anyone who has bought a home recently? Ask them about their agent. Were they happy with the service they received and why or why not? Would they choose them again? If their answers are encouraging, it’s important to go the extra mile and do a deep dive into their online reviews.
Beginning the Search
Compile a list of several agents and set up appointments to interview them. We even have a handy set of questions to ask them so you don’t have to start the process from scratch. While this might seem forward or time-intensive, remember that this is likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life, so finding someone you can trust is essential – as is finding someone who is licensed. A licensed agent has a fiduciary responsibility to do everything they can while protecting your interests. Look for an agent who listens well and understands your needs, and whose judgment you trust. You should be able to rely on your agent for support, guidance, and insight that resonates with you. Our advice? Make sure you find someone you actually like too. Rapport is an essential ingredient to a good working relationship, and nearly as important as trust and mutual respect.
What to Look For
The ideal agent knows the local area well and has resources and contacts to help you in your search. This is especially crucial in New York City, where neighborhood nuances and intangibles are not only going to be reflected in the price you’ll pay but in your overall experience.
You’ll also want to go local when it comes to the other real estate professionals you’ll be working with (mortgage professional, inspector, and others), even if you have a good friend or relative who’s in the business elsewhere who will cut you a deal. Out-of-area professionals don’t know the local market (especially the hyper-local NYC market) so you can’t expect them to provide you with the expert representation and service you need. A good agent will go out of their way to make the move easier for you. Make sure that your agent will take your calls, be available to consult with you on short notice, and most importantly, an agent should match your communication style. The unpredictability of the real estate experience can be unnerving, so your agent should be fully transparent with you about the process – and you should be able to take their advice and understand the expectations.
A special note for those dealing with relocation: If you’re moving to a new area, you should find an agent who has experience working with buyers who are relocating. Your employer can probably provide you with a good recommendation or ask the agent who is helping you sell your home (if applicable) to refer an agent to you. Be sure to ask for a relocation package. It should include information about your new community as well as sample listings of homes for sale.
What to Ask Yourself
We’ve covered all the relevant things to query prospective agents about but don’t forget to check in with yourself and how you feel about them before committing. Do they listen when you speak and treat you with respect (and not condescension)? Do they seem adept at translating legal concepts into human-speak? Do they seem like someone who demonstrates a deep knowledge of the local market? And finally, do you trust them? They’re not only going to be entrusted with a huge financial transaction but your tastes too, so be sure to look for someone who you feel like “gets” you and what you’re looking for. To a reputable agent, none of these should be big asks! The right agent is out there – you just might need to do a little digging.
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If you’re interested in learning more about the buying process, download our free Buying Into Brooklyn Ebook. We share a ton of valuable resources to demystify the buying process and help you become a Brooklyn home-owner.