First-Time Homebuyer Tips: Choosing a Buyer's Agent

Buying your first home is an exciting experience, but the process can be confusing at times. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may want to consider hiring a buyer’s agent to help you with your journey.

An experienced buyer’s agent will be able to help you find homes that meet your criteria, give you access to the most recent listings, help you put together a competitive offer, and compose all the necessary paperwork needed for your purchase.

If this is your first time purchasing a home, you may be unsure about how to go about finding a buyer’s agent. Below, we’ve provided some tips on how to choose the right professional whose skills align with your needs.

What Is a Buyer’s Agent?

A buyer’s agent is a professional who assists with real estate transactions and works on behalf of the buyer’s interests. This is different from a listing agent, who is an individual that works primarily with sellers.

Buyer’s agents help buyers find the right home and guide them through the purchasing process. According to Zillow, about eight out of ten buyers choose to work with a buyer’s agent while purchasing a home.

Tips for Finding the Right Buyer’s Agent

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may be uncertain about how to find a buyer’s agent and choose the right one. Here are tips to help you with the process as well as some qualities you may want to look for:

Ask for Referrals

When choosing a buyer’s agent, it’s important to find someone who has good local knowledge as well as a good reputation in the community. Try asking friends and acquaintances who live in the area if they have recommendations. Chances are, they’ll be quick to tell you which agents they’ve had good experiences with and which ones they wouldn’t hire again.

Communication Style

When interviewing candidates, try to gain an understanding of their communication style. How long does it take them to respond? Do they prefer to communicate through text, phone calls, or emails?

If you’re trying to buy a home fast, you’ll want to find someone who responds quickly. On the other hand, if you’re not in a hurry, you could become annoyed by an agent who calls or texts you often and might start to feel like they’re too pushy. It’s important to have an open and honest conversation about your expectations and needs.

Experience

It goes without saying that you should hire a buyer’s agent that’s a licensed professional. But you should also look for someone who has a good amount of experience behind their belt. An experienced buyer’s agent will know how to navigate complications as they arise and resolve them quickly.