You might feel the urge to pick the first real estate agent who appeals to or approaches you, but that’s something to avoid. As with any profession, there are degrees of professionalism, dedication, and experience. That “wow factor” will wear off. You can meet with prospective buyer's agents on zoom, at a coffee shop, at their offices, or even in the metaverse. A good buyer’s agent will want to know whether you’re preapproved for a loan, what kind of instrument, and the terms of the loan you’re getting. They should spend adequate time discovering what you’re looking for in a house. They should listen as much as they talk and ask questions. Watch to see if the agent makes notes. If the agent doesn’t broach the topic, ask for an explanation of his understanding of agency relationships and obligations to you. The law requires agents to explain whether they’ll be working for the buyer or the seller whenever they have substantive contact with a customer or prospective client. If the agent doesn’t offer you a buyer’s agency agreement, that agent is representing the seller, not you. If the agent can’t explain agency concepts to you, move to the next agent. Be sure that the agent will show you all listings or properties on the market that meet your requirements, not only listings that are handled in-house. Buyer’s agents have the legal duty to put the buyer’s needs ahead of their own. Even when an agent will be paid more for selling an in-house listing, they must inform you about other available, suitable listings and take you to see viable prospects. A good buyer’s agent will provide a home-buying education. The listing agent will point out all the features of a home; a good buyer’s agent will point to the faults — or advise when they can be overlooked.
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