In this blog post, we are going to cover some tips to help you find the best real estate agent for you and your family. We’re also going to show you a few questions that you should ask to help you make the right choice.
We’re Above All Else Inspections, and we offer home inspections in Rogers, Arkansas and throughout Northwest Arkansas, and Southwest Missouri. We’re happy to provide blog posts like this to help you through your home buying journey.
I’ll have to admit that I don’t often look for real estate agents for my own needs. However, if necessary, the top thing I look for is if they’re a true believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. I attempt to do business with folks of like mind, if possible, so I know we’re more likely to be on the same page. When it comes to your experience, knowing just what you want in a new home is the first step, followed by finding financing and ensuring you have enough for the down payment and closing costs. There are many different loan types available to fit your budget. Make a list of the home features you’re after so you can reference it later.
If you’d like some assistance with this step, don’t worry. We’ve put together a guide to help you decide your wants and needs for your next home.
Finding The Right Realtor for You
Once you understand what you and your family want and need for your next home, you can move forward with finding a real estate agent. At this point, it’s also important to decide whether you’d prefer an exclusive buyer’s agent or one who works with multiple clients at the same time. Both options are great and can help you find your perfect property.
Realtors have many different backgrounds and experience levels. Some specialize in commercial properties, while others focus on residential. Make sure you choose an agent that works with the type of property you’re searching for so you can get started quickly.
6 Questions to Ask to Find Your Perfect Home
Knowing which agent to trust can be a challenge since you want one with experience and integrity. Making a list of who you’d like to work with, ranked according to your needs, is a great way to narrow it down.
For example, if one realtor doesn’t have active listings near you but is known for being reliable and knowledgeable, they may go to the top of the list. This method lets you quickly see who you should work with. You’ll also want to look into their reputation and background. Check their LinkedIn or look for them online. If they’re reviews are good they may be the perfect fit.
Professional agencies often run their own background checks on their realtors to ensure they’re qualified, which is great news. Once you’ve done your own research, you can begin interviewing them to see who you connect with. You can ask these six questions to find the agent that’s right for you.
- What’s your experience finding numerous property types?
- Is there anything you’re not comfortable representing or selling?
- What’s your policy regarding offers from another agent?
- Is it okay to contact past clients to ask about their experience working with you?
- Is my deposit refundable if my offer falls through because of miscommunication or something outside of my control (i.e., getting a higher offer?)
- Do you offer down payment or closing cost assistance?
If you’re happy with the answers to all of these questions, then it’s time to hire your real estate agent and get started finding your dream home!
Hiring a real estate agent is a big decision, but it’s one that will pay off in the long run.
An experienced realtor will help you find your dream property and walk with you through the negotiation and purchase process. They’ll also help you understand the right steps and the best decisions to make. Take your time in finding your agent. You want to make sure that your personalities work well together and that you’re comfortable working with them and telling them when you have an issue or a question.
Now that you’ve chosen your real estate agent, it’s time to start looking for properties! You can do this online or in person; your agent will probably have a few suggestions of their own, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which houses you want to visit.
Finding a realtor can be challenging, but these important steps and questions will make it easier for you to find one that best fits your family’s needs.
At Above All Else Inspections, we’re happy to help you navigate the home-buying process by providing quality home inspections. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and contact us on our contact page, or you can call us at (479) 381-1878.
