3 Tips for Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Buyer Agent

Sitting down with a lender, you’ll be able to get an idea of how much you can afford for a mortgage–which isn’t the same thing as how much you should spend on your mortgage.  Having an honest conversation ahead of time will save TONS of time later, so you’re not using time looking at houses that are out of your spending comfort zone.

Not all real estate agents are created equal, but, generally speaking, buyer agents are the experts in helping you find the home of your dreams.  Your agent will be upfront about the expectations of your new relationship; be willing to trust the process!  Your agent will know what’s available with the characteristics you are looking for.  So many websites are not accurate, but often perspective buyers use them as a guide for what is available and trust all the information they provide.  “I think buyers tend to rely too much on Zillow,” says buyer agent Russ Strazzella with Keller Williams Realty in Savannah, GA.  “While it provides buyers with access to lots of information – it’s very Democratic that way – you can’t really make a determination on the value of a property based solely on a Zestimate.”  Your buyer agent has the tools to help you determine the facts of the houses you are interested in, so trust their process!

Potentially, buyers should expect to spend four to six months working with their agent.  During this time you’ll establish your wants and needs, search for the right home and work toward closing together.  As a buyer, you are not alone, and your buyer agent is one of the most important folks on your team!