How to Work With a Realtor

Realtors assist buyers with finding and purchasing properties. Realtors are typically experienced and skilled in their fields, and they combine their knowledge and business savvy to make their clients' searches relatively painless. As with any financial endeavor, do your homework before working with a realtor in order to maximize the benefits of the experience.


Instructions

House Hunting Requires A Good Realtor

1. Ask a lot of questions. Property shoppers should take advantage of their realtor's education and expertise. Buyers should also know about their realtor's business practices so there are no surprises later in the deal. According to Tomorrow's-Money.org, before proceeding with your house hunt, you should ask your realtor the following questions: What is your commission? Exactly what services do you provide? Do you require an exclusivity contract? How long is such a contract binding? Are you accessible on a full- or part-time basis? How many people did you find homes for last year? Do you have references? You should also ask realtors if they're familiar with the area you're interested in.

2. Tell them exactly what you want. Realtors can't help you find your dream home if they don't know what your dream is. Explain the style of house you're looking for, the neighborhood you're interested in, whether or not you need a decent park system or school district nearby, how many bedrooms you need and how much you're willing to spend.

3. Don't sign anything right away. Most realtors ask you to sign an agreement to work exclusively with them. Before you sign this agreement, make sure the realtor you have chosen has all the qualities and resources you need to maximize your house hunt.
       
4. Don't double up. Working with more than one realtor takes more time than necessary; you'll likely have two people showing you the exact same properties. Also, realtors may get wind of the fact that you're pitting them against each other and spread the word, which will make it unlikely that other realtors in the future will want to work with you.
       
5. Don't allow your realtor to pressure you. The realtor should not be personally involved in your decision; you have every right to take time to make sure the house is right for you. If you feel your realtor is pressuring you, remember that you're the client and you have the prerogative to take your business elsewhere.
       
6. Seek your realtor's opinion. Before you purchase, ask them what they think are the advantages or disadvantages of the property you've chosen. Remember, they're an experienced professional and have seen and heard a lot of things you haven't.