Selecting An Agent
When selecting a real estate professional to represent you in the purchase of your home, especially your first, you want someone who can
relate to the uncertainties you may experience. You need a professional who will answer all your questions with honesty and patience and
one who will walk you through the many steps of home buying. Walking blindly into any office and inquiring about buying a home will most
likely leave you talking to the "up" or "floor person". In most instances, the person will be qualified to answer your questions and assist you
in the purchase of your home, but you may not feel completely comfortable working with that person. Therefore, it's a good first step when
selecting a Realtor® or real estate agent to assist you in the purchase of a home, to ask friends, co-workers, and neighbors who they used
when they bought their home. If you hear someone's name highly recommended and/or hear it more than once in talking with your peers,
there's a good chance you've hit pay dirt. Call that agent, make reference to who referred you, and make an appointment with them.
If you're still not sure, take the time to call a few offices and inquire about properties you are interested in prior to viewing. You'll be able to tell
alot by the way the person answers the phone and conducts himself. The Realtor® or agent should not only be helpful and courteous and provide
you basic information about the home, but be inquisitive as well. When an agent takes the time (about 30 minutes or more) to ask about your
wants and needs, your likes and dislikes, describes the types of agency representation you can select, asks whether you've prequalified for a
mortage or worked with another Realtor®, asks if you've seen anything you've liked, etc. and probes you for additional information, and you feel
as if your personalities have "clicked", don't hesitate to make an appointment to meet with that Realtor® or agent. Don't take offense that you're
being asked alot of questions. Instead, feel confident you've probably come across a highly trained professional who really cares about trying
to assist you in your endeavor of purchasing property.
Another way to be sure you've chosen the right agent, is to ask some questions yourself. Some recommended questions are outlined for you.
However, please don't feel you are limited to asking only these questions; add your own to suit your particular requirements or personal needs.
Also, with the influx of new real estate licensees in the business, think twice before rejecting their services if your personalities mesh. In most
instances, professional newcomers want to establish their solid reputation in the industry and will bend over backwards to assist buyers and
sellers.
Are you a full time or part time agent?
How many homes have you sold in the past quarter? Past month?
Are you familiar with the Home Buyer Scout Program? Can you enroll me as a customer?
Do you have a toll free number?
How long have you been an agent?
Which multiple listing services do you subscribe to?
Will you be working with me or will your assistant?
What do you specialize in selling?
In addition, it's in your best interest to make sure you know the difference between a Realtor® and a real estate agent. All Realtors® are real
estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors®. The Realtor® logo can only be used by those who are designated members of the
National Association of Realtors®. Your local board of Realtors® is part of the Florida Association of Realtors® as well as the national association.
Realtors® also abide by a Code of Ethics, must take additional educational courses other than what's required to remain active in the business,
are committed to their professions, and most are involved in community activities. Local boards also offer arbitration, if agreed to by the parties,
when a dispute occurs that involves a Realtor®.
Other Buyer Tips