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First time homebuyer seeking information on obtaining buyers agent, how to find a good buyers agent, real estate attorney to draft purchase and sales agreement
I really hated it when as soon as I walk in the door the agent would ask me what I am looking to spend and my price range. Then they would ask if I am working with an agent. I would think it would be the other way around. I'm not comfortable discussing my finances with a stranger I never interviewed or got to know. At one of the places the realtor blew me and my wife off when I balked at giving him my price range, then he said "why don't you work with a lender and find out what you can afford and then come back to us". I'm thinking I am pre-approved for my loan and know what I can afford. I wouldn't be looking otherwise.
Don't react too harshly to them. Some agents are idiots (as are some people in every profession) and some have little tact but if you had any concept for how much time most agents "donate" to "potential buyers" who ultimately turn out to be completely incapable of buying a home you'd probably be less offended by their questions. Open houses, by their nature, attract a lot of "looky-lous" who just get a kick out of looking inside other people's houses. They'll frequently come in, ask lots of questions as though they are really interested, but ultimately, they're just in it for the entertainment value (or are neighbors snooping). Particularly, if there are multiple people (or groups) in the place at one time an agent has to choose who to focus on -- which one of these people or groups is realistically a potential buyer for this listing (or a potential client). If a buyer has not gone through the mortgage application process, that's a HUGE red flag that (1) they are not seriously looking, and (2) they may not be qualified to buy a dog house much less the pricey condo you're trying to sell.
If an agent asks you if you're pre-approved and you are (you've gone through the application process, not just "pre-qualification"), they're just trying to make sure whether or not your a legitimate buyer. Just say "yes, I'm pre-approved and I'm actively looking for a home". If he or she asks you in what price range you're looking, they just what to be sure whether or not their listing is a potential match for you. Just let them know whether or not the property you're currently viewing is in your price range (don't talk numbers). If they say "how much are you pre-approved for" give them a "do you think you're dealing with an idiot" look and tell them you'll be keeping that bit of information to yourself. The listing agent doesn't work for you so he or she will very likely try to size you up and figure out how much you like the condo and whether you'd be stretching to buy it or could afford to pay full price. That's part of their job. Of course if they do it badly enough to tick you off, they're not really doing their job terribly well, but they're still just trying to do their job.
Once you settle on a buyer's agent, you won't have to worry about these kinds of things any more.
BEWARE THE "BUYERS" AGENT: THERE IS NO SUCH THING!
Would you hire a used-car salesman to help you buy a used car from another salesman? Whose interests do you think would be at the forefront during subsequent negotiations? If your 'buyers' agent is commission based they'll sell you out in a heartbeat in exchange for the highest possible percentage for him'herself. If your paying them a flat fee they'll start getting antsy with you the longer you take to select a home.
IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE RIGHT: DO IT YOURSELF! RE agents are part of the problem NEVER the solution.
Pretty angry for a surfer. You need to paddle out right now before you blow a gasket.
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The listing agent doesn't work for you so he or she will very likely try to size you up and figure out how much you like the condo and whether you'd be stretching to buy it or could afford to pay full price. That's part of their job. Of course if they do it badly enough to tick you off, they're not really doing their job terribly well, but they're still just trying to do their job.
