How Do I Get A Real Estate Agent To Work With Me

Are you the type of buyer that can't get an agent to work with you long term? Buyers are a dime a dozen in the real estate business. Most of the time agents get overwelmed about how to select, manage and to find properties for those buyers.


There are so many buyers pulling at agents, especially now while interest rates and prices are low. So with this in mind, agents need to be selective with the buyers they choose to spend their time with. There's only so much time in a day and if a buyer is not serious about buying or cooperating then an agent may have to let the buyer go.


When you call an agent about a property you are interested in then you need to cooperate with the agent. Every agent has their own way of interviewing a buyer on the phone or in person to get the information they need to determine if you're a qualified and motivated buyer. Imagine if an agent took out every last buyer that called each day, to only realize that most or all of those buyers are unable to buy or not ready to buy.


As a buyer, you have to remember that this is a sales agent's profession and it's what they do to earn an income to care for their families. Agents have to treat their profession seriously and not waste time with buyers that view homes as a hobby or nowhere close to being qualified.


As a top producer in Brooklyn New York, below are some things I look for in a buyer that would like me to help them purchase a home:


- Know What You Need Not Want- In order for an agent to be able to help you, you have to be able to express what you need in a home according to what your money can afford. For instance, bedrooms, baths, parking, brick or frame, need a basement, close to transportation, etc.


-Know What You Can Afford - Every buyer knows how much they can afford to spend each month and you don't need a mortgage person to tell you differently. Just like when you go out to rent an apartment, you already know the monthly rent your willing to pay and the same thing goes with paying a mortgage for a home. The only thing you may not know is how that monthly amount translates to how much house you can afford in terms of price. So you need to speak to a mortgage broker before you shop for a home so you know much a lender is willing to loan you.


When you find out what you can afford then you need to know which areas you should be looking in.


- Location - Now this is the big one because many times I get calls where buyers say I will live anywhere in Brooklyn. So that means, I must set aside the time to find one house in the 4th largest city because I have all the time in the world. Help out the agent and select two to three areas that you can afford and will definitely live.


To choose a location consider the transportation you need, whether you like a quieter area or an area that is more busy near shops and restaurants or near your child's school, near family or work. Just choose.....I'm begging you!!!!


- Calling An Agent: An experience full time agent usually gets calls all day from buyers, so how can you stand out from the rest? When you call a more experienced agent sometimes they will want to know more about your needs and qualifications. So be prepared to answer a few questions about your needs, contact information and sometimes even some financial questions.


- Going To The Office - Again, more seasoned agents may feel that you have potential to buy just from a conversation with you and may ask you to come into their office. Why? Agents are usually testing you to see if you're a willing buyer because a serious buyer will do whatever it takes to get the home they want. Also, they can sit down with you face to face and get a better feeling for what you want, when you want it and if you have the means to get it.


You should bring important documents like your pre-approval letter if you have one, credit report, paystubs, w2 forms and bank statement. I suggest that you don't give your personal documentation to an agent, but just show it. I say this because you don't want to hand out personal documents if you're not going to work long term with the agent.


- Meeting At The Property - If an agent decides to meet with you at a property and you feel you want to work with this agent then come prepared to give some information. This is your chance to communicate with the agent about what you're looking for, your qualifications and how soon you want to buy.


-Qualifications- If you want an agent to take you seriously let them know you had a consultation with a mortgage broker and you have a pre-approval or you're willing to get one. This way, the agent knows you have begun to take the necessary steps to begin the buying process.


- Credit Score - Your credit score is a major factor in a lenders decision to give you a loan or not. But an agent is impressed if you already have your score. If you check your credit score yourself your score will not drop.

Find out your credit score on your own and your credit score will not drop.
Click on the image above.


- Be On Time - Agents will literally let you go if you continue to be very late for appointments or not show at all. Most agents have appointments back to back and how they use their time is important.


- Low Ball Offers - I know as a buyer you're looking for a deal. But if you give one or more ridiculous offers that is way out of the ball park an agent will think you're just playing games and not take you seriously.


- Not Placing Offers - If an agent has found several homes that fit your needs and wants , and it's in the right price range and location and you're haven't placed an offer the agent may stop working with you.


There's some other things I can touch on, but it's almost 1:00 a.m in the morning and I'm exhausted from showing houses all day. Anyway, if you want a skilled agent to treat you like a client and provide you great service then you need to respect the agent for what they do. An agent that provides excellent service and is willing to scour the city to find what you want is not an easy task. So when you find a good agent cooperate and both of you will be happy in the end.


Now that you know how to get a real estate agent to work with you, I suggest you check out an ebook I found that tells you what to be aware of during the home buying process, called "Home Buying Defense Guide." Click here to take a look.


Feel free to link this article to your TWITTER and FACEBOOK account, let's help others you know to be better buyers. Good night and read some more of my blogs!