If you are so keen to get a home that suits your ultimate needs and provides satisfaction, you will need the expertise and experience of a buyer’s agent to make it happen. Infect, it is never good advice to do the legwork and negotiations yourself. Why should you shoulder that stress when there are professionals who can do all that for you for free? There’s no point.

Buyer’s agents make the search easy and bring the best deal to your table. You get the home in your preferred location, with the correct specifications, and on the proper budget. Yes, all that is possible when working with the right buyer’s agent. By clicking here read about Everything You Should Know about Real Estate Buyer’s Agents.

The problem is: how to choose the best from the numerous play-acting real estate agents who are out only loyal to their pockets? That’s the reason for this article. We want to share some vital considerations when choosing a buyer’s agent. 

Of course, a few devoted buyer’s agents are always keen to work exclusively for their clients, but you cannot likely pick those at random. From experience, you will have to deliberate efforts to do detailed findings about the agent before aging to work with him. 

What should be your priority? 

You must be sure the buyer’s agent is ready to work according to your best interest. Simply put, he must know how to get you the best property and negotiate with the listing agent to give you profit at the end of the transaction. 

The truth is that buyers’ agents get their commission from the selling price. So, it would be advantageous for them if they could negotiate a higher selling price. In that case, only a faithful buyer’s agent will make an effort to negotiate a reduced selling price that favors you knowing fully well that he gets paid from the selling price. 

While there are a lot of them out there looking for profit, you can still be a loyal buyer’s agent that will care enough for your interest and comfort. The trick is asking relevant questions to understand their personalities and competence. Don’t forget that we are looking for a buyer agent who will be considerate enough to prioritize your interest over his profit-making ambitions to give you the comfort you want in a home. So, your questions must be strategic and direct. 

The Essence of Interview before Hiring 

Questioning and answering come first in choosing a reliable buyer’s agent. It is advisable to schedule a one-on-one interview with the buyer’s agent before deciding to work together. During the interview, you will need to explain your goals, needs, and financial capacities or limitation to the agent. Your information will help the agent secure the best deal possible for you. 

Not only that, but you will also need to ask direct questions that require honest answers. If you get that right, you can be sure of an excellent result and a lasting working relationship. Of course, you can ask to know whatever you deem necessary. But, here are some must-asked ones you shouldn’t miss when interviewing your agent.

Six honest questions to ask your buyer’s agent during the interview 

1. How many years of experience do you have in the industry?

Experience is not only the best teacher but also an invaluable asset that counts in decision-making. If the buyer’s agent is starting, there is a tendency that he will be more concerned about profits, and that is not good for clients. 

Startup buyer’s agents will also lack the experience to connect with top-notch listings. It might take a long time before a startup agent finds a property and your specified home, for that matter. Hence, hiring a buyer’s agent who has been in the home buying business for about five years or more is essential. That way, you will be sure of getting your desired result. 

2. How many hours do you work in a day?

Make sure you know how long the buyer’s agent works in a day before you decide to embark on the home hunting project. If an agent works for lesser hours per day or doesn’t work on some days of the week, he might not be able to deliver in the shortest time possible. It is good to work with an agent that can work for 8 hours or more. Anything short of that, it’s a red flag. Weekend working hours are also of great advantage.

3. Are you a specialized buyer’s agent? 

In the real estate industry, buying and listing agents are referred to as realtors. In that light, you must be sure to ask and know if the agent specializes in buying or selling properties. For the records, some buyers’ agent also works for sellers on different occasions. Mind you, it is not advisable to work with such a double-faced agent as he would likely be more concerned about his profits. Make sure your agent ONLY works with buyers. That essential quality will make him work in your best interest.

4. How many clients do you have at hand?

The home buying process is a tedious one. A buyer’s agent cannot deliver if working with multiple clients. If the agent is presently negotiating for many clients, it is a sign that he wouldn’t have much time to give you the dream home you desire. 

5. Have you ever made any transactions in my preferred location?

It is an added advantage if your buyer’s agent has gained experience finding homes in the desired neighborhood. If he knows nothing about the location, there is a tendency that you won’t get what you want. Be particular about asking to see if he has done any home buying transactions in or around the location before choosing him as your aid.

6. What is your unique strength?

You should know why you need to hire an agent first. If there’s no particular reason, then you are right. 

A competent and loyal buyer’s agent should be able to state what separates him from the crowd, why you should work with him, why he wants to work with you, and what you should expect at the end of the transaction. You are good to go if the buyer’s agent can convince you enough with his answers to these questions.

In conclusion

You must provide a comprehensive description of your desired home and ensure your agent understands your specific needs and preferences. A reliable buyer’s agent must be a professional who understands the home buying business in depth and is ready to make a deal that benefits you as a client.