[FusionDev] United Built Homes, Choosing a Real Estate Agent

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United Built Homes, Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Before you go looking at houses, you'll need to find a real estate agent.
Hiring a real estate agent takes a little bit of time to do. You're making
one of the most important financial decisions in your life and you want to
make sure you hire the right person.

You can get recommendations for agents from family members, friends and
co-workers you trust who have used that agent themselves in buying a home.
You can also check the internet, newspaper listings, and "Homes for Sale"
publications.

The best type of agent to look for are the ones who work in real estate
full-time. Sometimes, the part-time agents may not devote enough time
towards finding a home for you. You want agents who do this for a living
full-time and will make sure that your housing needs are met. Also, because
there is such a high turnover among real estate agents, you want to find
several that have been doing this for at least the past couple of years.

Try to find agents that are licensed and have the Graduate, REALTORS(R)
Institute series (GRI) accreditation from the National Association of
REALTORS(R) (NAR). Agents who have the GRI will usually have it printed on
their letterhead or business cards. If not, just ask if they have this
particular accreditation.

After selecting several agents, set up interviews with each one. The
interviews don't have to be long, no more than an hour. During the
interview, explain to the agent what kind of house you're looking for, what
neighborhoods you're interested in, and the price range you're comfortable
with.

Ask the agent if he or she is a buyer's agent. A buyer's agent represents
the buyer only. Most agents say they represent the buyer and seller, which
is called dual agency, but they really only represent the seller. These
agents must legally negotiate on behalf of the seller and put the seller's
interest first before yours.

Ask if the agent is an "exclusive buyer's agent". This type of agent only
works with buyers and does not sell homes. Ask to talk with past buyers who
have bought homes in the neighborhoods you're interested in.

After conducting interviews with all the agents, choose the one who answered
your questions well and made you feel that you're interests were important
and they're committed to finding that perfect home for you.
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