Choosing a Real Estate Agent Who Fits You

Once your financing is lined up, the next big decision is who will guide you through the search. A real estate agent is with you for showings, negotiations, inspections and all the small decisions in between. The right one can make the process feel manageable. The wrong one can make it feel like a second job.

Why Your Agent Choice Matters

A skilled buyer’s agent does much more than unlock doors. A good one will typically:

• Point out strengths and weaknesses of each property, including things you might not notice on a first visit.
• Help you avoid surprises by flagging potential issues with a home, a neighborhood or a contract term.
• Connect you with trusted pros such as inspectors, insurance agents, contractors and attorneys.
• Negotiate on your behalf using knowledge of local pricing and how sellers in your area tend to respond.
• Keep deadlines on track and coordinate with your lender and the title company.

Skill is only half the equation, though. You will talk to this person often during an emotional, high-stakes purchase, so how well you communicate with them matters just as much.

Where to Find Good Candidates

Do some homework before you commit. Good places to look include:

• Personal referrals: ask friends, family and coworkers who bought recently whom they used and whether they would hire that agent again.
• Open houses: visiting a few lets you see agents in action and get a feel for how they talk about homes.
• Online research: read reviews, look at recent sales and see whether an agent works mostly with buyers, sellers or both.
• Your lender: loan officers work with many local agents and often know who is responsive and easy to work with.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Interview two or three agents. A short conversation can tell you a lot. Consider asking:

1. How long have you worked in this area, and how many buyers have you helped in the past year?
2. How do you prefer to communicate, and how quickly do you usually respond?
3. How do you help buyers compete when a home gets multiple offers?
4. What does your buyer agreement include, and how are you paid?
5. Which inspectors, insurance agents and other professionals do you recommend?

Pay attention to how they listen. Do they ask about your goals and budget, or do they jump straight to listings? Do they explain things clearly without pressure?

Matching Personalities

Some buyers want daily updates and lots of data. Others prefer a quick text when something new hits the market. Some like a low-key approach, while others want an assertive negotiator. None of these styles is wrong, but a mismatch can create frustration. Choose someone whose working style fits yours.

It also helps to ask how an agent handles busy stretches. If they work with many clients at once, find out whether a team member will step in when they are unavailable, so you never miss a chance on a home you love.

When to Move On

If your agent is hard to reach, pushes homes outside your budget, or does not seem to add value, it is fine to have an honest conversation about it. If things do not improve, review your buyer agreement to see how to end the relationship and find someone who is a better fit. Your home search is too important to settle.

Line Up Your Financing First

Many agents prefer to work with buyers who already have a preapproval, because it shows you are ready and sets a clear price range. If you are just starting out, our first-time home buyer resources and loan program comparison can help you understand your options.

FLO Mortgage works with real estate agents throughout our community every day and is happy to help you get ready to shop. Meet our loan officers and take the first step.

This article is for general education and is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and program availability. FLO Mortgage, Company NMLS #1835856. Equal Housing Opportunity.