How to choose the perfect Realtor when buying a home

There are some tasks you can do well enough on your own. But buying a house is one task where you absolutely, positively need expert help. If you go it alone, a home purchase won’t just take longer, it may prove to be more expensive, too. Luckily, real estate agents know the process of buying a house in Texas like the back of their hand. With over 120,000 agents in the state, however, finding the best one is like finding a needle in a haystack. That’s why we prepared this in-depth guide to help you in your quest for the perfect realtor.

Ask for referrals

The real estate business moves in small local circles and word of mouth is the best endorsement of an agent’s skills. If you know someone who bought a house recently, ask them who their agent was and if this person provided good service. On the other hand, if you found your agent through a directory, ask them to provide a list of past clients you can call. The best agents will have no problem doing this and their clients will have no doubts about telling you about their experience. Be sure to ask questions like how easy the agent was to reach, were they able to find a house that matched their needs, and how quickly they were able to close on the property.

Look at their credentials

All real estate agents will swear to find you a home quickly, but it’s their credentials that will tell you if they can live up to that promise. At the very least, the agent you choose must be a licensed practitioner in Texas. More importantly, look at their track record. How many properties have they closed in the last six months? What was the final sales price versus the listing price? How many clients are repeat buyers? Asking these questions will quickly reveal if the agent you’re talking to is really as good as they say they are.

Consider their communication skills

Completing a home purchase typically takes 90 days – and given the pandemic, will probably take longer than three months. You’ll also likely be communicating remotely, at least during the initial stages of the home purchase. Given these challenges, it’s vital to hire an agent with excellent communication skills. They should be able to clearly explain their services and fees to you. Likewise, they should answer calls and texts promptly. Your agent should also be able to successfully communicate and coordinate with contractors, inspectors, and appraisers. A home purchase has a lot of moving parts, and good communication skills will help everything proceed smoothly.

Interview at least 3 candidates

If this sounds like a job interview, it’s because it is. Remember: the agent you choose takes on the job of finding your dream home. And you shouldn’t entrust that job to the first agent you speak to. Most experts advise interviewing at least three professionals before arriving at a decision. This allows you to objectively compare factors such as their track record, client servicing, and fees. It also allows you to compare their personalities, attitudes, and strategies. If you find that none of the candidates pass muster, keep interviewing agents – this is not a case where good enough is good enough.

Ask about their network

While your agent will orchestrate the home buying process, you’ll have to work with several professionals in the process, too. You’ll need a home inspector to check if a property has deal-breaking flaws. You’ll need an appraiser to verify that the home you want is truly worth its asking price. You may even need an interior designer to help make your new house feel like a home. And if you have a good agent, you won’t have to find these vendors yourself – they’ll simply refer them to you. An agent with an extensive professional network is one that will make the home buying process much easier.

Don’t forget personal rapport

You have to like your real estate agent – it’s a crucial factor that many homebuyers neglect to consider. Given the amount of time you’ll work together with your agent, you simply can’t discount the value of personal rapport. It builds trust between the two parties and fosters clearer communication. The more comfortable you are with your agent, the deeper they’ll understand your needs. And perhaps most importantly, how you feel about your agent will greatly color how you feel about the properties you look at. Be as thoughtful with selecting a home as you are with selecting a real estate agent. With a trusted agent on your side, you’ll find the perfect home for an excellent price in the shortest amount of time. Are you thinking about buying a house in Texas? Work with the best agents in town! Get in touch with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caliber Realty at 979.694.8844 or sales(at)bhhscaliber(dotted)com.

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