Working with the correct agent is a very important decision, as it will be a major factor in how smooth and painless your buying experience goes. As the role of an agent in a transaction evolves (as we discuss in this article), here are the 4 most important factors you should look out for as a buyer:
An Experienced Agent
You want your real estate agent to be experienced. You should ask how many transactions the agent has had recently, and always be sure to read any reviews from previous clients. The type of transactions also matters – buying and selling have different skill sets, so if you are looking to buy a home, ensure your agent has ample experience helping buyers.
No Conflict of Interest
One very important thing to look out for is that your agent has no conflict of interest, and truly has your best interest in mind. One common occurrence to look out for, for example, is if the agent tries to convince you to look at listings from their brokerage. Another thing to avoid as much as possible is using the listing agent as your buying agent. These types of dual-representation transactions can be harmful for buyers, because agents also have a responsibility to the seller, and might not have your best interest in mind.
A Modern Process
Technology continues to play an increasing role in real estate transactions, and you want to ensure that your agent is up to date with the times. Using modern technology, such as digital e-signature software, can drastically improve the quality and simplicity of your buying experience, and also gives you peace of mind for the future when you’re looking to refinance or sell, as documents can be easily backed up.
Knows the Neighborhood
Lastly, you want to ensure that your agent knows the location you are interested in buying a house. Having deep knowledge of your area can ensure that the agent can provide you information about the neighborhood, school, and locality that might be difficult to find elsewhere.
At Hutsy, we always pair you with the best agents from your neighborhood, who have your best interest at heart. We place a huge emphasis on a modern and streamlined experience – it’s the only way to ensure that you have a stress-free home buying experience!
