Finding A Real Estate Broker
If you’re buying a house, you’ll need a real estate broker to assist you. How do you know what to look for in a broker? Check out our cheat sheet here.
Finding a Brokerage That Suits You
A good real estate broker will take a full assessment of your wants, needs, and desires in a new home. That is why it’s important that you find a full service brokerage that is there to accommodate all your needs. This will simplify your home search. Buying a home is an important decision - so don’t be afraid to shop around when trying to locate your ideal brokerage.
How do you know when you’ve found the right broker? Like with any other job, there needs to an interview process. Don’t be shy - ask plenty of questions to make sure that your new real estate broker is a good fit. Don’t know where to to start? Here’s a list to get you off on the right foot:
Four Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage
- How long have you been in the business? This will give you an idea on how well they know the area and market you are interested in. One thing to consider when asking this type of question is not just how many years they have been in business, but how many buyers have they previously worked with that have the same needs as you.
- Do you specialize in a particular area or type of property? This question is an important part in deciding whether or not you will want this firm to represent you. A firm that typically deals with rentals or multi-unit sales may not be the best choice to represent you on a single family home purchase. Make sure the broker’s area of expertise supports your needs.
- What is your communication style? Lapse in communication can make or break a deal. You want a broker that is available at all times and will keep you updated throughout the process. Also, you will want to know if your broker will be handling all communication with you or assigning a sub-agent to handle some tasks for them. If you have a question, you should be able to contact your broker and get a prompt response.
- Can you share references with me? It’s a good idea to reach out to the broker’s previous clients to get their opinion on the firm. Understanding how they were treated, whether they were pleased with the experience, etc. will give you a better idea of what type of firm they are.
The right broker will be able to explain to you, in detail, every step that goes into buying a home. You can expect them to help you set realistic expectations for your budget instead of sacrificing budget for what you desire. They should also help you maximize your budget in your desired area.
Are you looking for the right real estate brokerage to help you with your home purchase?