| Finding a real estate agent is an important part of | | | | person can do for you and whether they can help |
| the house buying process. If you're buying a | | | | you out. Ask them how long they've been doing |
| home, a real estate agent can help guide you | | | | this and feel free to ask them pertinent questions |
| through the process. An agent can also help | | | | about your particular realty needs. If they know |
| narrow your home search by searching the real | | | | the answers off the tops of their heads, they |
| estate listings that only realtors have access to. | | | | probably are experienced. But if they are willing to |
| Using a real estate agent typically will cost you | | | | go look up the answer and get back to you, you |
| about three percent of the purchase price of | | | | probably can count on them to do the research |
| your home. Many people consider this cost well | | | | you need. |
| worth their while in order to have an easier trip | | | | Some realtors will want you to sign a |
| through the real estate process. | | | | non-compete agreement before getting started. |
| Where to Find a Real Estate Agent | | | | This may or may not be a good idea. A |
| When you're shopping for a real estate agent, | | | | non-compete agreement means that you are |
| you should first ask your family and friends which | | | | agreeing for a set period of time to buy a house |
| realtors they've used. Ask your family and friends | | | | through that particular realtor only. This is good |
| what they liked and didn't like about them and | | | | only for the realtor. If you end up not liking the |
| whether they'd recommend those realtors. Also, | | | | realtor, you can't just up and leave. |
| take a drive through some of the neighborhoods | | | | Checking Out Your Real Estate Agent |
| where you wouldn't mind buying a home. Look at | | | | When you think you've landed on the real estate |
| the realty signs in those neighborhoods. The | | | | agent you want to use, check them out with the |
| realtors whose signs are at those homes will be | | | | proper licensing agencies in your state. Make sure |
| more likely to know the neighborhood than other | | | | they are registered as a realtor there. Ask the |
| ones who may not have spent as much time | | | | realtor for a couple of references and call those |
| there. | | | | people. Ask those other customers any questions |
| Consider also going to the national realty | | | | you'd like about the realtor. Those who have |
| companies to find a realtor. The large companies | | | | worked with the realtor can perhaps tell you |
| have hired realtors that typically have plenty of | | | | better than anyone else what that realtor truly |
| experience to help guide you through the realty | | | | can do for you. |
| process. | | | | Finding a real estate agent that fits your needs |
| How to Shop For the Right Real Estate Agent | | | | may take some time but it will be well worth the |
| Interview several realtors before you decode on | | | | search when you find someone who's reliable, |
| the one you truly want to use. You'll want to visit | | | | skilled and who can find you the perfect home |
| each realtor and get a good feel for what that | | | | you've been searching for. |