More on Home Buyer Representation

Every so often I like to re-visit Buyer Agency. With so much information available now and so many home-buying options, I think it's vital for a home buyer to have competent representation, especally when a home buyer is buying in a new location. It's my prediction that baby boomers will soon be moving all around the country from heavily populated areas to less populated areas with better living conditions.

If you fall into this category, or if you are one who understands the value of good service, then I strongly recommend getting a buyer agent to help with the home-buying process. I think many people think it would be a waste because they don't trust real estate agents and think the agent will only try to sell them a particular listing. What many buyers don't know is that there are many professional buyer agents available who can provide services the buyer has never dreamed of.

You definitely want to do your homework before choosing a buyer agent. In this day and age you will want to choose a buyer agent who has an internet presence because new technologies ensure you find the right home at the right price with best conditions in an efficient, comprehesive fashion. You'll want an agent who knows the whole area and not just the neighborhoods they live in. What you're looking for is an expert, a professional who's connected with other professionals so that you get the best financial information, the best attorney, the best inspector and the best representation.

Make sure you pick someone who you'll want to spend time with because you'll be communicating with this person for quite some time. It goes without saying you want someone who is honest and has good people skills. The main thing, though, is choosing someone who understands the finer points of service and will deliver what is promised. Experience counts, but number of years in the business doesn't equate to honesty and competence -- someone with a little experience but knows how to access information can be a good choice as long as you can trust them.

Trust is the biggest hurdle to overcome and I'd say it's 90% of the problem. Once you've found someone reasonably knowledgable and competent who you can TRUST, you've solve most of the problem. Having someone manage the home-buying process relieves a lot of stress, but if you don't trust the person then it can add more stress.

Do a little investigatng and I promise if you find a good buyer agent, you won't regret it.