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We have looked on and off for houses over the past year and are now gearing up to look seriously again. Unfortunately our experiences with buyer's agents has been very disappointing. Typically, I know more based on my online research and have often brought the house to them to say I wanted to see it. Anyone have suggestions on how to find someone that will really help work with us to get the best price etc?
We have looked on and off for houses over the past year and are now gearing up to look seriously again. Unfortunately our experiences with buyer's agents has been very disappointing. Typically, I know more based on my online research and have often brought the house to them to say I wanted to see it. Anyone have suggestions on how to find someone that will really help work with us to get the best price etc?
I feel the same. I started to use someone recommended through my mortgage company and dropped him quick. Total negative jackass. The next person, which I am currently using, is a mess. I also had to bring all the houses to her. She didn't seem to anxious to help us until we put the bid in for this house. She didn't even know to put the paperwork together. I am now currently trying to buy this house we found but it has problems with the cess pool and electric. She is pushing hard for a quick close but I am not doing jack until we have some kind of agreement with the seller on the cess poll and electric. Not to mention they have an inground oil tank which I want to get tested. Nice lady but if this one falls through I am definitely getting a new agent.
We have looked on and off for houses over the past year and are now gearing up to look seriously again. Unfortunately our experiences with buyer's agents has been very disappointing. Typically, I know more based on my online research and have often brought the house to them to say I wanted to see it. Anyone have suggestions on how to find someone that will really help work with us to get the best price etc?
If you can't find a good agent by asking the people you know for a referrel just like you would a Doctor or a plumber I would then research agents just like you research houses. We all have profiles online. Go to the website of a reputable Realtor in the area you are looking- a company that has a large market share- & then go through every single profile & see who think would be a good fit. Then interview them. You can also call the manager & cross reference. BUt even that has it's problems. My manager now is really fair & reputable & ethical- she only manages DOES NOT SELL. But my last company the manager sold, her daughter worked in the same office & she would dole out referrals just to her own buddies.
We have looked on and off for houses over the past year and are now gearing up to look seriously again. Unfortunately our experiences with buyer's agents has been very disappointing. Typically, I know more based on my online research and have often brought the house to them to say I wanted to see it. Anyone have suggestions on how to find someone that will really help work with us to get the best price etc?
With the access that consumers have to information, I am more and more seeing my clients point out the specific homes that they would like to see, so I would not hold that against him too much. However, after you have viewed a few homes together, the agent should be getting to know you and be able to make recommendations. More important in a buyer's agent, though, is their attitude. You want someone who really cares about you and your real estate needs. This does not mean simply getting you the lowest price, but rather looking out for your best interests throughout the transaction.
The most important criteria in selecting a buyers agent is how you feel about them. The most successful transactions I have had are when both buyer and agent do their research and communicate frequently. An experienced agent will ask you many questions, make suggestions and not push anything on you. Finding your own home selections should not be held against an agent. Telling your agent why you chose a particular home could prove very helpful in assisting the agent to find others you may not be aware of. If you are not sure of the agent, sign shorter temporary agreement. If you do not feel the agent is on your side or continues to show you properties you have not interest in, fire them! ask for a release. An experienced agent you can connect with, will have you hours of time, gas, and frustration, dealing with multiple agents or one you can't connect with makes the search ten times harder than it should be.
Like any profession, there are good ones and bad ones. I have gone out with agents who know not even the basic information on the properties they are showing, and are incapable of digesting your specs for a home and coming up with good ideas. On the other hand, I have also found agents who know every little nook and cranny of the house and neighborhood that may interest you. I think the best bet is word of mouth. Spread the word, even to casual acquaintances, that you are looking for someone.
The one thing I laugh at is when the agent says to me, "I am working for you." No, at the end of the day, except for a very rare few, they are working for themselves and their commission. Caveat emptor.
One option of finding a qualified Buyer's Agent is to go on the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) site and search for a member in your desired area. In order to earn the ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation, not only do agents have to meet educational requirements, they have to have satisfactorily completed several transactions as Buyer Agent. Here's a link to the site:
We have looked on and off for houses over the past year and are now gearing up to look seriously again. Unfortunately our experiences with buyer's agents has been very disappointing. Typically, I know more based on my online research and have often brought the house to them to say I wanted to see it. Anyone have suggestions on how to find someone that will really help work with us to get the best price etc?
Buyer's agents in NYC can be hit or miss. The easiest way to find a good one is to ask friends/family for a referral. Just make sure that whoever you work with offers you a buyer agent commission rebate. It's an automatic way to save money on your purchase.
Surprisingly, most of my friends who've recently bought property in NYC had no idea that rebates existed until I told them about it...
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how to find a buyer's agent
