| Why does a buyer need to interview a real estate | | | | you? What will he expect you to do? Have the real |
| agent? Because the realtor will be representing the | | | | estate agent explain his or her plans. It is advisable to |
| buyer in finding and purchasing a home, a very | | | | arrange a meeting with a lender to determine how |
| expensive investments. The real estate agent is | | | | much house you can afford before going out to look. |
| working for the buyer so it is a good idea to know | | | | Ask your real estate agent how he will do his job and |
| some things about the person you are about to hire. | | | | what he expects of you, the buyer. |
| The buyer needs to know if the real estate agent | | | | How do you negotiate the best deals for your buyers? |
| qualified to handle the job and also if the realtor will | | | | Ask your agent if he or she will help you decide on a |
| work in a professional, timely and ethical way. Here | | | | price to offer after you've found the home you like. |
| are some things you should ask your potential agent | | | | The negotiation is a give and take situation between |
| during the interview: | | | | you and the seller but will your real estate agent be |
| How long have you been a real estate agent? It is a | | | | involved? Is your agent knowledgeable and creative |
| good idea to find out how long the agent has been in | | | | enough to make the deal work? |
| the business. A new agent may spend a lot of time | | | | For example, if the buyer wants the seller to pay |
| with you but an experienced agent may sometimes | | | | closing costs and a home warranty, the seller may |
| not be available. The difference is in the experience | | | | agree to pay one and deny the other. Rather than |
| level. The lack of experience on the new agent's part | | | | walk away from the deal, the agent can suggest that |
| may not serve you well. A well seasoned agent may | | | | the buyer pay for the other cost by either paying cash |
| require you to do some of the work on your own, for | | | | or increasing the offer price to include that cost. There |
| example, driving around the neighborhood to see if you | | | | are different ways to construct a transaction but the |
| like it. The difference in experience will be tested during | | | | agent needs to be knowledgeable on what can be |
| the transaction - offer, presentation and negotiations. | | | | done. |
| It is easy finding a home but make sure your agent | | | | Can you please provide references? References and |
| can draft a contract, negotiate the best terms for you | | | | testimonials are important because they tell you how |
| and perform all the necessary and required | | | | your realtor will work with you. References come from |
| documentations. Make sure the real estate agent is | | | | past clients so when a real estate agent has the |
| experienced, educated and knowledgeable in the | | | | knowledge, ability and patience to help families and |
| purchase of homes because a small mistake can cost | | | | individuals, they will say so. Good references should |
| the buyer a lot of headache, time and sometimes | | | | say more than just, "great job" or that Tom is a |
| money. Always ask for your realtor's background, | | | | wonderful real estate agent. Look for references that |
| education and experience. | | | | actually say what the real estate agent did that makes |
| What is your strategy of searching for and finding a | | | | them different from others. If the agent is new ask for |
| home? Ask to see a copy of your realtors "plan of | | | | references from their broker or past employers and |
| action". How will he or she go about finding a home for | | | | colleagues. |