Buying a home is a huge undertaking. Most buyers want to speak with more than one buyer’s agent before making their final choice. When shopping around for an agent – before you’re ready to delve into home buying – make sure to ask the following questions.

1. Do you have experience with home buying in my preferred neighborhoods?
   Before you buy a home, you should have a general idea of where you want to live. Narrowing down your options to a few specific neighborhoods will allow you to find a buyers agent with experience in those areas. You may change your mind about your chosen neighborhood, but your agent can also help there – they can let you know what the neighborhood is like, how it’s changing and how accessible things like shops and parks are.
2. Do you have experience with the type of home I’m looking for?
   You may want a loft or condo, but if you work with a buyer’s agent who’s used to selling houses, you may not get the guidance you deserve. Each property type has its own set of features and buying challenges. Buying a home is a personal experience – the last thing you want is an agent who doesn’t have experience buying and selling in the communities you want to buy in.
3. How do you go about negotiations?
   Even though you’re not an expert in negotiations, you should still discuss your agent’s negotiation style. Some may even be certified by an organization – they would a Negotiation Expert title. Home buying questions should go beyond the type of home you want and also delve into how your agent will be handling the transaction. You also want to find out how your agent will approach a bidding war, should one arise. Even if you don’t personally know much about negotiations, asking about how they work will prepare you for future deals and conversations.
4. What do I need to keep an eye out for in terms of legalities?
   The main reason for asking this question before you buy a home is to see how well your agent is able to answer it. Then, consider discussing their answers with your real estate lawyer before deciding whether or not to hire the agent. Your agent and lawyer should have similar knowledge. Making sure their approaches are in sync will reduce problems down the line.
5. Who is in your network of service pros?
   So much goes into purchasing a home, and you’re going to have home buying questions for other vendors, too. Ask your agent what type of connections they have. Can they recommend lenders, inspectors, plumbers and other professionals you may need?

Once you have your questions answered, it’s time to have a talk with your intuition. Do you get a good feeling from the agent? Did he answer your questions in a satisfying way while also making you feel at ease with the process?

Having the right agent supporting you throughout the home buying process is critical to a buyers success when trying to navigate this competitive market. Here at Andersen Group Realty, you have a full-service team of experienced real estate professionals supporting you every step of the way. For more real estate advice, or to speak with one of our experienced agents, contact us today!