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Just for Linda:
We are moving from one part of the greater Seattle met to another to be closer to my aging parents. So Henderson really wouldn't work for us.
Everyone else:
Thank you for the advice, it is really helpful.
Since October 2009
Since April 2009
Since April 2009
Thanks everyone but it looks like our house hunt will be on hold for a bit. Despite his promise to "Release us anytime we weren't satisfied", the agent is thus far unwilling to actually do so. Not that we are in a hurry any way, but it seems a bit petty to us.
There is no way we will look with him or buy though him at this point, looks like we are just going to wait out the 90 days.
Since April 2009
A buyer's agent should know the area and attend broker open houses regularly so they know know more than what they see on the internet. Schedulling needs to be a cooperative effort and it helps for the agent to be within a reasonable distance; and yes, most buyers agents show houses on weekends.
Listening and communication skills are really important. The ability to provide you information to help you understand the market you are in so that your expectations are realistic for your budget and location, etc. If an agent asks a lot of questions, it's because they want to help so don't be offended and tell the truth.
Negotiating skills and experience are key. Management skills and record keeping are important. Real estate transactions have lots of details and a good buyer agent will make sure everyone is on track and that things get done on time so you're deposit isn't in jepardy.
A good buyers agent will tell you the truth even if it's not what you want to hear; and since you're going to be spending a lot of time together during what can be stressful even under the best of circumstances, it helps if they have a sense of humor to lighten things up when they get tense.
Trust and mutual respect are the basis of any good relationship. So find someoone you trust and respect - you'll know who that agent is when you meet her/him.
Hope this helps; and best of luck! Marilyn
Yes, it is very reasonable to expect your agent to show you houses on the weekends. We, as agents do have to work on weekends; just goes with the territory. If an agent isn't available on weekends to show homes, then they shouldn't be a buyer's agent. I don't believe that their office has to be close to you, it all depends on where they live. Sometimes, agents live in one town and the office they hang their license is in a different town.
I feel that if the agent chooses to accept the job working with you knowing the distance, they should make themselves available and cater to your schedule. Otherwise, refer to another agent that is more conveniently closer to you.
To answer "anything else?", A good buyer's agent should evaluate on paper your wants and needs before they even begin taking you out on a property search. It helps to narrow down things and less time on the road showing.
I hope this helps and I am sure you will get more helpful comments to your questions later on. Good luck to you.
Since December 2008
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Picking a buyers agent
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lajim57
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What do you look for in a buyers agent? Should their office be close to the area that you are looking in? Our current agent is 45 minutes away from where we are looking, it causes a big problem with scheduling. Is it reasonable to expect them to show you houses on the weekends as opposed to weekdays? Anything else?
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