If you have never worked with a buyer’s agent, it helps to know how the relationship should go. Here is what a good agent does for you, and what you should expect to see from the first call to the closing table.
1. A conversation about your goals first
A good agent asks how you plan to use the home, how you plan to pay and what your timeline is before showing a single house. A rental investor and a first-time owner-occupant need very different things.
2. Honest numbers, not just listings
Your agent should show you what similar homes have sold for, point out repair needs and tell you when a price looks too high. Sending links is easy. Judging value is the real work.
3. A clear explanation of the contract
You should understand your earnest money, the inspection period, the financing terms and every deadline before you sign. A good agent walks you through them in plain language and tells you when to bring in a real estate attorney.
4. Help with the people you will need
Lenders, inspectors, contractors and closing attorneys all play a part. We can introduce you to ones from our network, but the choice is always yours. Our first-time buyer guide explains how the process fits together.
Nil Patel is a licensed Georgia real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners. This post is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and nothing here is a commitment to lend.