Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Please Note: This article is used for blog-demonstration purposes. This is the demo blog of Sally Smith, a fictitious real estate lawyer in Austin, Texas. Learn more about blog design for lawyers and law firms.

Choosing a real estate agent seems like an easy task. But it's important to choose a real estate agent who makes you feel comfortable, listens to your needs, and has the resources at his or her disposal to show you the right homes to fit your needs.

Consider the "vibe" factor.
You should get a good vibe from the real estate agent you plan to select. When you sit and meet with him or her, you want to make sure they are really listening to you and trying to get an understanding of what your ideal home will be.

The more open and honest you are with the real estate agent, and the more receptive they are to hearing your needs, the easier it will be to find and choose the right home.

Ask agents about their search tactics.
Ask prospective real estate agents how they go about searching for a home. You want to find someone who's willing to use all available avenues to help you find your dream home. In other words, you want a real estate agent who will be just as quick to look through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as they are to look through their own exclusive listings.

Read paperwork carefully.
When meeting with a real estate agent, you will want to find out who is paying the agent's fees. In many cases, the seller will pay the buyer agent's fees, but you need to find out for sure before signing any paperwork. Make sure you understand all the provisions of any paperwork you sign. Your chosen real estate agent should make you feel comfortable enough to ask questions, and he or she should not rush you through the paperwork process.

Use your real estate attorney, if you have one.
In some states, attorneys are hired for real estate closings. If you have a real estate attorney assisting you with the transaction, you may want to ask him or her if they can review any documentation the real estate agent is asking you to sign. The vast majority of real estate agents are trustworthy, but when the stakes are high it's always a good idea to double-check before signing documents.

Ask about networking.
Many real estate agents can also refer you to competent mortgage professionals, home inspectors, termite inspectors, appraisers, contractors and other professionals who can help you through the home buying process. Ask about such networks when choosing your real estate agent.

Ask about geographical familiarity.
The more familiar the real estate agent is with a specific geographic area, the better equipped they will be to help you find the right home for your needs. It's perfectly acceptable to have multiple real estate agents working for you if you are looking in more than one geographic area. You should ask what area or areas a real estate agent is particularly knowledgeable about so you know what their level of expertise is.

Consider the communication factor.
Communication is crucial in the home buying process. A good real estate agent will keep you informed, without you having to bug them for updates all the time. If there are red flags early on in the process, chances are they will only get worse. So keep that in mind before you commit to any particular real estate agent.

Conclusion
Instincts go along way when choosing a real estate agent, so trust your instincts. Ask plenty of questions, and don't feel like you're being a pest for doing so. Remember, you have the most at stake in the real estate agent / buyer relationship, so you should be the one doing the proactive research and asking all the questions. Good luck!