January 24, 2018 by Snupit
Buying a new home or property is a massive undertaking, and requires careful consideration before it is committed to. The entire buying and selling process is a mountain of tedious tasks, like signing endless documents and trying to understand the lingo and corporate jargon. These basic tips will help you to get through and keep your head clear during the process, and will also allow you to get the best of value out of the agent who is assisting you in this process.
1. No buy, no pay
Remember if an estate agent does not make a sale, he or she does not get paid. It is that simple, estate agents work on a commission basis only, so try to take up as little of their time as possible. If you have no intention of using an estate agent, rather avoid engaging one in any parts of this process.
2. Voice your expectations
Most estate agents are extremely accommodating and will happily go above and beyond for their clients, ensuring that they deliver the best service they can. If anything does displease you, it is best to bring it up (politely, of course). Most estate agents are happy to collect you from your home and drop you off again after viewings. It is best to communicate your preferences openly. Also be clear on your expectations regarding telephone calls and emails. If you want regular contact and updates, be clear. If you prefer to initiate contact and find constant correspondence a hassle, be clear on that. Ultimately, you want to have a professional relationship that works well for both parties.
3. What did you sign up for?
Don't sign any forms until you are completely clear on what you are agreeing to. Make sure you understand escrows and other terminology clearly before you agree to anything. Having a vague idea is not good enough. Feel free to ask your estate agent to explain anything you are uncertain of. They are legally obligated to do this, so do not feel shy or silly. Do not sign forms entitled: "Consent to Represent More Than One Buyer." This is not going to serve your purposes well at all, and it is recommended to find a new agent in this case.
4. Be a hot buyer
Don’t contact agents until you are ready to buy. You can attend open houses and browse through property listings without contacting an estate agent. Otherwise you will simply waste your time, the sellers time and the agent's time.
5. If you are ready to buy, take your spouse but leave the children at home (with a caregiver of course). Open houses are not suitable places for children to be. Besides for being a long and exhausting day out, children will get in the way.
Buying and moving houses is a very exciting opportunity for a new beginning. Make sure you have an agent at your side that is on truly playing the game in your favour. Be kind and fair, and the agent will fight any battles on your behalf. If you need a great real estate agent in your area, look through the listing on Snupit, we have some great real estate agents listed right here, just a click away.
Filed under : Estate Agents