How to Choose a Good Real Estate Agent

When you are choosing a real estate agent, it is important to keep in mind that the agent's ultimate goal is to sell a home to you. The agent won't make any money if he doesn't sell something to you. The biggest make that you can make, as a buyer, is letting on that you are in a desperate situation. The real estate agent will only use this to his advantage.

While there are some real estate agents that are honestly looking to make sure you get the best deal, these kinds of agents can be hard to find. In most cases, the real estate agent makes money based on the selling price of the house you purchase. To make the highest amount of commission possible, the agent will try to sell a house to you as for as much as possible.

Many home buyers don't need a real estate agent. If you educate yourself on price negotiation and what to look for in a home, there is not much an agent can do for you. There is some paperwork that is done in the home buying process that agents usually assist with, but a property attorney will be able to do this instead.

It is better to choose a real estate agent that sells homes as a full time job. It is unlikely that an agent who sells homes part time on the side will do as good of a job of meeting your needs.

Choose a real estate agent that is successfully selling homes in the area in which you are seeking to purchase. When you look in the home classified magazines, these are the agents that have their names listed next to several houses in an area. A real estate agent that only homes listed most likely isn't doing a very good job of selling homes in that area.

Another good way to choose an agent is based on the recommendation of someone else. If you know someone that has recently purchased a home, ask them which agent they used and how they liked their agent. Some qualities to look for are professional and aggressive.

Personality is another factor that should come into play in your decision to hire a real estate agent. In talking to real estate agents take note of their personality, their rapport, the way they carry themselves. If an agent doesn't strike you as someone you want to work with, it is time to move on to someone else.

Let the agent know as much as about your shopping habits as you can. If you are the kind of person that takes awhile to make decisions, let the agent know up front. Make sure the agent has patience and is willing to put in a reasonable amount of time assisting you in making a decision.

Once you state the maximum price you are willing to pay for a home, your real estate agent should refrain from showing you homes above this price. Many agents attempt to show you homes above your limit in hopes you will like the home and sacrifice your limit. If your agent does this, simple state to them your maximum price and ask not to be shown homes above that price. Should the agent continue, it is better to seek assistance from a professional that will respect your wishes.

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