How To Find a Potential Real Estate Agent
When you’re a first-time homebuyer looking for a real estate agent, the first place to start is your friends, family members, and acquaintances. People you know can be valuable sources of referrals, especially if they’ve recently purchased a home. Ask recent homebuyers about their experiences with their agents. Were they satisfied with the service they received? Would they use that agent again? Of course, your search shouldn’t end there. A second good resource is the internet. Use a search engine to find real estate agencies, then phone those agencies to get referrals to agents. If you’re seeking out a Realtor—these agents are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)—you can use the National Association of Realtors’ lookup tool. Another way to find an agent is to drive around the neighborhoods you’re interested in and contact the individuals whose names appear on “For Sale” signs. You can also meet agents by visiting open houses in neighborhoods where you want to buy. Once you’ve done your research, you should have a list of three or four possible agents. If you want to learn more about them, look for reviews on social media sites such as Facebook and Yelp, and on real estate sites such as Zillow and Realtor.com, specifically looking for those who have helped guide first-time homebuyers in the past.
What To Look for in a Real Estate Agent
To find a good real estate agent, you need to know what characteristics are important. Here are some qualities to look for:
Active license and in good standing: You can check the status of an agent’s license at your state’s real estate regulatory department.Experienced at working as a real estate agent for homebuyers: As a first-time homebuyer, you need someone experienced in all phases of the homebuying process.Knowledgeable about your target areas: The agent should have experience working in the geographic area that interests you. They should know the neighborhoods, its price ranges (both listing and sales), and the types of homes that are available.Good communication skills: Your agent should be a good communicator. They should listen to you and understand what you’re looking for.Membership to a homebuyer search service such as the Multiple Listing Service: Your agent needs a source of the latest listings.
What To Say When Contacting a Real Estate Agent
Now it’s time to conduct some interviews. Make a list of the questions you want to ask so your interviews are consistent.
Questions to Ask Prospective Agents
Sample Email
One way to connect with an agent for the first time is to send an email introducing yourself and outlining what you’re looking for. Your email should be short and sweet. Here’s an example: My name is Maria Wannahome, and my husband and I are first-time homebuyers. We’re looking for a three- or four-bedroom house for us and our two children, ages 8 and 11, in the Eastbrook or Westtown neighborhoods of Happytown. We got your name from our friend Jim Hasahome, who said you did a great job helping him with his search last year. We’d love to meet with you in person. We’re available any evening after 6 p.m. on weekdays and between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends. Our contact information is below. We hope to hear from you soon.
