Zillow Advice: Finding a buy-side agent - What are you looking for from your Realtor when buying your next home?

An agent should have their ...

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:51:00 GMT

An agent should have their buyer's best interests in mind. Be well informed and professional. Have a clear understanding of how to present offers in this market. This is a relationship building business...as well as referral based.

Thanks Pej

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:23:00 GMT

Thanks Pej

It all comes down to trust:I ...

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

It all comes down to trust:
I have always had success with my clients when I have stuck to and proven the following about my self as an agent:
1) Listen to your client and be prepared on your appointment!
2) Show a strong knowledge of the neighborhood pointing out what has sold and for how much. I like to do comparables as we go from one house to another. Sometimes I tend to overload my clients with info, but knowledge is power.
3) All these are just a way to win your clients trust, without their trust in you will never be able to help them place a good offer and buy a home.

I do want to also answer or justify DANNO1991: Any agent that is uncomfortable with placing a low or ridiculous offer on behalf of his client should not be an agent. This business is all about getting the lowest price, and no one ever knows what situation the seller is in and how desperate he is to sell not even the sellers broker. I always approach this situation as "you will never know unless you ask", the worst thing that can happen is they don't counter offer and say give us a real offer.... and I know this has happened to me a bunch of times...lol

"And how can a buyer trust ...

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:39:00 GMT

"And how can a buyer trust you (not "you" in particular) as a buyer's agents when as a seller's agent you still list homes at 30% higher than the market will bear and allow them to languish on the market for 10 months?"

Not to mention if do put a bid, your often told there are multiple offers... and as they tell you "put in your highest bid"... and still the home remains on the markets for months on end.

Yea! "multiple offers, aka Phantom offers " ...... what a sweet scam they got running. And people are screaming about Wall Street being crooked !

nothing ... i am sick of ...

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:34:00 GMT

nothing ... i am sick of buying used homes ... i'll be going to the builder ... don't want a buyer's agent ... end of the story

Thanks Danno1991. Overall ...

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:57:00 GMT

Thanks Danno1991. Overall Midland SC hasnt had that kind of problem "yet" and lets all hope it doesnt. We all want our best return on our home when selling it.
I lose listings weekly from telling the truth about my price opinion. And I know it hurts the customers feelings.
Want to sell quickly? List 10% below the lowest comparable in 6 months of sales. Thats the truth. Otherwise be ready for extended market time.
But with builder and homeowner distress there are some real cherrys out there for the picking. You just have to have a buyers agent to get to them quickly. Most Buyers dont hire a buyers agent and resolves to search the net and go on there own till they finally stumble across a home they like. Most, not all buyers do this.
The best deals I see are on the market from 2-8 days before escrow is opened. Without interviewing and hiring a BA you missed some great deals.
Ok Im getting off topic.Thank you for sharing and this is making great material for my blog on what you look for in a Realtor.

I wish more agents felt that ...

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:04:00 GMT

I wish more agents felt that way. When you find one that feels that way, it is really terrific.

I find most of my clients ...

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:58:00 GMT

I find most of my clients want a No-Bull Agent. One that's not just out for a commission. One that knows what they are doing. One that is honest, and is really concerned about taking care of the client. I tend to be very straightforward about a property. They are paying for my opinion, and if that means losing a sale, at least I can sleep at night.

Well Laura, It's ...

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:35:00 GMT

Well Laura,
It's just a little disheartening being a potential, well-qualified buyer in this market. Most agents have been "spouting" off the NAR company line when common sense and sound economics tell a very very different story. And how can a buyer trust you (not "you" in particular) as a buyer's agents when as a seller's agent you still list homes at 30% higher than the market will bear and allow them to languish on the market for 10 months? Then look at buyers with a straight face and say "Come and get e'm while they're hot. These deals won't be here forever ya' know." It just hurts the credibility of your whole profession. At least you care enough to ask the question.

Thanks for expounding. I ...

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:52:00 GMT

Thanks for expounding. I am doing a blog on what clients really want from there agants and I am doing the Q&A for it. Do you mind if i Quote you Sunnyview?
I couldnt agree with you more!