Are you planning to be in the market this fall for a new home? If so, you may find yourself struggling on finding an agent to help you along the home buying process. The relationship you have with your agent will be one you want to be sure you are comfortable with and trust, as the home buying process can often have unexpected twists and turns before you are finally handed the keys to your new home. Since choosing the right agent is such an important decision and one of the first you have to make in the home buying journey, it’s best you know what to ask in advance to make the right decision the first time. Weston Dean Custom Homes, a premier Pittsburgh on your lot builder, shares questions you should ask when you meet with your potential agents.
It is always good to have some questions prepared when you go to meet with an agent to make sure they meet the criteria you will want to have in a buyer’s agent. Some good questions to as are:
How long does it typically take for buyers you work with to find and close on a home?
This question will let you know if he mostly deals with buyers who want to move quickly and do a lot of research independently, or if he has buyers that take a year or long it will show that they are more patient and will let the home-buying process run its course. Depending on what track you are on, the fast track or the leisurely one, could help determine if they would be a good fit for you.
What areas do you do most of your business?
Agents typically have certain towns or cities where they tend to do most of their business. Depending on where you are wanting to look and if you have certain towns or school districts you want to move too, someone who is well-versed and knows the areas you are most interested in will be the best fit for you and might have more insider knowledge on homes that are coming to the market that you may be able to see in advance or have an advantage over.
How do your showings work?
Depending on your area, some locations or agents rely on open houses for showings, why others need private appointments with an agent to privately see the home. In many markets with inventory going off the market just as quick as it comes on, having an agent that can make themselves available to you the same day a home comes on the market if need be is something you will want to keep in mind.
What is the best way to communicate and find properties?
Buyers no longer rely on agents to find properties anymore like they did in the past. Especially in markets where the inventory is moving quick, agents will encourage their buyers to look for homes online on their own and often give them access to their local MLS so they can get alerts based on homes that meet their criteria and let the agent know if they are interested in looking.
Do you work independently or with a team?
Be sure to ask your agent if there is a team of people they work with, if they have an assistant or if they work independently. If your agent has an assistant or junior agent you may end up working with, you will want to know that in advance as they might not have the experience you need when looking at a home and wanting their feedback.
The best way to ensure a good relationship with your buying agent is to make sure you know how they work best and how they expect you to work and connect with them in regards to homes you are interested in. As with any good relationship, communication is key especially at the start. So, once you have found an agent that you feel checks of the boxes of what you need, then you can begin the exciting process of buying a home!
Parry Custom Homes is an established homebuilder in the Pittsburgh area. Call or contact us today for more information.