Real estate agents have the keys to the houses that you want to see. And they know how to write up a contract and present it to the seller – Sure. But if that’s all that you are expecting from your agent – you might be missing the boat.
One: Supreme Matchmaker. A skilled, intuitive buyer’s agent isn’t just an order taker who shows up at the property that you picked online, and opens the door for you. He or She listens to what you are saying – and what you AREN’T saying – and intuitively guides you to possibilities that you might not have even considered.
Two: Guide to Financing Options. While it isn’t the agent’s job, necessarily, to get deeply involved in your financing, an experienced agent knows that there is more than one way to skin a cat – and can help you recognize red flags and early trouble brewing with your loan officer if you aren’t being offered the best options, or service that will spell trouble for you later on in the transaction. Ultimately, your financial well-being is also to your agent’s financial benefit. Payoffs and kickbacks for recommending certain providers, like lenders, is illegal – so chances are, a reputable agent’s advice regarding financing sources and options is worth a listen –
Three: Trusted Advisor. Home searches are messy, emotional and sometimes reveal discoveries about yourself that you had not yet realized. It’s a time of change and growth. A sensitive and caring buyer’s agent can function as a sounding board, providing honest feedback, and helping you separate fears from fact, wants from need. This can help you remain balanced, and maintain a sound perspective.
Four: Privacy and Discretion. As mentioned earlier – the process can become very personal, and intimate. Many buyers hesitate to hire friends and family who are real estate agents, for this very reason. (Or regret doing so later) A true professional buyer’s agent not only understands and respects your privacy, but also takes great pains to protect it. We know that a client’s stories, experiences, finances, and choices are not fodder for the gossip mill – and their private documents need to be kept under lock and key. Moreover, what a client reveals personally, is never to be revealed in negotiation without their express consent – because loose lips sink ships.
Five: The Source of the Source. An experienced agent can be a priceless resource to help you ferret out the best options for all sorts of things: From home inspectors, contractors, scholarly articles from trusted sources during your due diligence period – even a sounding board to help point you in the direction of where to begin your research, and which questions need asking. Utilize the benefit of your agent’s deep experience, having guided many, many clients through similar waters.
Six: Skilled Negotiation. This might seem to be a given – not a surprise – however, negotiation is a subtle skill that is honed over time, not taught in real estate school. Your choice of a buyer’s agent could, very well, be the deciding factor in whether or not you are successful with your goal of obtaining the right home, at the right price – in the best condition possible. Negotiation occurs, not only during the offer and acceptance process, but, quite literally, at every step of the transaction – from advocacy in asserting your client’s rights to full disclosure, to obtaining the best pricing and services from inspectors, lenders, escrow departments and insurance policies – to cutting the best deal possible on inspection repairs or credits – a dedicated agent is working hard behind the scenes in your best interests.
Seven: Real Estate Ninja. Like the secret agents in Feudal Japan who deftly dealt with the problems of their employers under the cover of night – Your own personal real estate ninja will be heading off problems and averting near-miss disasters during your transaction – and a good deal of the time, you won’t even know it. A ninja-level buyer’s agent is trained to recognize the early signs of trouble, and head it off at the pass. As a luxury hotel chain once advertised: “The best surprise is no surprise!”
Eight: Unexpected Expertise. Depending on the agent whom you select, you may find a treasure trove of additional information and resources. Especially when selecting an agent with diverse life experience. You may find a former contractor, designer, “green” consultant, accountant… or perhaps an expert gardener, for example, who cares about many of the same things that you do, and can offer exceptional guidance beyond the basic transaction. No extra charge.
Nine: Relationship Mediator. Now, this is a fun one, and something that many veteran real estate agents can attest to – We often find ourselves helping couples, and family members find common ground and stick to the rules of engagement – bringing everyone back to the goal at hand: Finding beauty, harmony and the home that supports the life you want to live. Sometimes that means compromise within the union – and a talented, compassionate agent can help the partners see past their blocks of fear and disappointment to embrace the big picture where everyone gets something that matters deeply to them.
And Finally – Ten: A Sense of Humor. Purchasing a home should be fun. It’s a rare pleasure that we only get to do, at best, a handful of times in life. You can make the most of it, and make it a whole lot more enjoyable if your agent comes equipped with patience, resilience, and a great sense of humor when things don’t go perfectly as planned. Because – That’s life!
About the Author. Jeri Creson is a veteran real estate broker, dually licensed in Louisiana and California, NAR Green Designee, Solar Energy and Resource Efficient Home Consultant, Content Writer, Mediation Consultant, Expert Witness and Real Estate Trainer. Jeri is currently accepting new clients for the Spring and Summer of 2020 in the Greater New Orleans and St. Tammany Parish areas.
You may reach Jeri for a free consultation, or additional information at:
985-869-0332