Need a Buyer’s Agent? Here are 10 important questions to ask before deciding!

When you are selling you tend to investigate your Real Estate Agent, but the same amount of background checks don’t happen when you are hiring a Buyer Agent.

This is likely one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. Take the time to make sure you are represented properly. Here is a list of 10 necessary questions to ask your Buying Agent:

1. What do you know about the type of property I want to buy?

It is key that the agent you choose can help you focus on the differences of each type of property. Things like which condo is the nosiest on each floor isn’t important if you are looking to buy a house.

2. How experienced are you with helping people like me?

It is important that your Realtor understands the period of life you are going through at that specific moment. Whether you are growing your family, downsizing, investing, first-time buyer, going through a divorce or moving to a new city, buying a home during a period of change can be difficult.

3. What is your knowledge of the neighbourhoods I’m interested in?

A portion of consideration when buying a home is looking at the communities and neighbourhoods they are located in. It is important to have an agent who understands the areas, the communities and that inquires about what types of neighbourhood would best suit your needs.

4. What is your negotiation style?

Lots of reports and studies are pressing the point of how important negotiation skills are to win real estate transactions. Ask your potential Buyer Agents if they did extra courses or workshops to increase the effectiveness of their negotiation skills or ask them how experienced they are with negotiations? Sometimes an agent with 20 years experience might not have been at the kitchen table negotiating transactions as often as a full-time agent with a decade under their belt.

5. How do you go about winning a bidding war?

In this market, this is an incredible asset! Great Buyer Agents understand what is required to win a bidding war and are using those skills during those stressful times for buyers. Your Buyer Agent should also be looking out for you so that you don’t over extend your budget during those times.

6. What are the legal problems I need to worry about?

This is a great way to test your agent’s legal knowledge. There are many legal issues that can come up before the closing day so it is a great asset for your Realtors to be familiar with disclosures conditions, offer paperwork, etc.

7. What kinds of connections do you have with home service professionals?

Great Buyer Agents will not only be in touch with lawyers, appraisers and home inspectors, but they will always have connections with handymen, cleaners, painters, interior designers, etc!

8. Can I get in contact with some of your past clients?

It is important to research and seek reviews before meeting with an agent. Even if you don’t want to call the references, the way the agent handles the questions can give you a great answer!

9. Explain your current relationships with past clients.

A good Client – Agent connection shouldn’t end with the end of the search. It is important to know that you can rely on your agent if anything goes wrong after the transaction. Team Logue’s past clients know they are always able to come to us with anything in the future.

10. Go with your gut.

Always go with your instincts. Do you feel that you can trust your agent? Do they present themselves professionally? Do they have a great reputation in the industry? Do you feel you are being listened to? These are important questions to think about.

If you are in search of a Buyer Agent in the Burlington area, we would love for you to contact us. Visit us at www.sarahlogue.ca and find the right agent for you.