If you’re in the market looking for a home, you quickly realize that shopping for a new place can be more depressing than fun once you leave your computer. You’re on a fixed budget like most Americans, and you can’t afford what you really want, so you compromise. But after touring a few homes you’ve seen online, you may find the house doesn’t show as well in-person or needs major fixes. No Realtor ever puts a picture of the attic in the MLS listing, but the heating and A/C units may need a complete overhaul. Ask anyone who has tried to renovate a home after buying an old property – there are hidden costs in bringing a home up to code, and latent defects of properties that have changed hands many times. To not make things any easier, if you’re in a competitive market, there may be 5 other potential buyers all looking to put a contract down that same day without an inspection. It’s a big risk to take without a trusted buyer's agent to help guide you – telling you when to pass on a home.
Structural and mechanical issues are only part of the buyer evaluation when purchasing a property. A good local Realtor® can warn a buyer about potential HOA rules and city laws. You may not be able to put that flag pole in your yard even if you’re a veteran. Buy a house on a corner with a stop sign and you may not be able to legally park your car in front of your own home. These minor oversights have made many a homeowner hate their buying decision with no easy way to get out of the purchase.
New home questions a good Realtor will help you think through:
Structural and mechanical issues are only part of the buyer evaluation when purchasing a property. A good local Realtor® can warn a buyer about potential HOA rules and city laws. You may not be able to put that flag pole in your yard even if you’re a veteran. Buy a house on a corner with a stop sign and you may not be able to legally park your car in front of your own home. These minor oversights have made many a homeowner hate their buying decision with no easy way to get out of the purchase.
New home questions a good Realtor will help you think through:
- How will your commute be?
- How will you accommodate a growing family in the house?
- Why is one property a better value than another?
Questions to Ask a Buyer's Agent Realtor
- How long have you been working in real estate? Do you work mostly with buyers or sellers?
- What is your commission? Are there any other fees I need to pay?
- How many homes did you find buyers for last year?
- How familiar are you with the neighborhoods I want to see?
- What was the worst buyer you’ve had to represent and why?
- What’s your communication style? How often will I hear from you?
- How will you balance my wants versus my needs for our given budget?
- What if I find a home that is for sale by owner (FSBO), who pays the commission?