Remember Me
forgot your password?

Buying a Home? Be Upfront with Your Agent

I have a good friend in real estate who is working hard at building his business to provide the best service that he can to his clients. Not long ago he was working with a couple to find a suitable property for them. He showed them home after home, working hard to try to find what they said that they were looking for. Weeks after their initial consultation, they commented that the properties he'd shown them wouldn't be large enough for them to keep a horse on.

They wanted to buy a horse, having not previously mentioned wanting to keep large animals. Ever.

I have to admit, I was really impressed when he told me that he had kept calm when they mentioned that to him; I can't say I would have been as restrained. In effect, his clients had wasted weeks of time that he could have been looking for a more appropriate property for them on which they could have kept horses. Don't assume that your agent is the Amazing Kreskin; I can assure that you that very few realtors will claim to be able to read your mind.

While I think that agents should ask their clients questions, I don't believe that it is up to the agent to ask his or her clients for every possible combination of needs that they might require out of a property. At some point it becomes the responsibility of the buyer to let the agent know what they need.

When you start out with a new agent it is imperative that you express not only what your current needs are but also what your projected needs will be in the near future. If you're planning on having children, caring for an elderly parent or buying a horse, let your agent know. If you're looking for a home to fix up and sell in a few years, let your agent know. Any hints that you can give your agent about what kind of property will best suit your needs will help ensure the best possible outcome.

What some buyers do not seem to understand is that the most effective real relationship between agent and client is not one where the client is completely passive. Your agent will lead you through the process of home buying but in order to get what you want out of the experience, you have to actually know what you want. Take some time before beginning the home purchasing journey to reflect on what you want now and in the near future so that you can share that with your agent.

Justin Lee

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for your next Montgomery County real estate purchase. Justin Lee will help you find the perfect home in Lakelands MD.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Real Estate Articles
  • More from Justin Lee

The Benefits of Pre-Inspecting Your Miami Beach Real Estate Property before Selling

By: Mark Ferrer | 25/11/2009
A large majority of homebuyers stage home inspection for properties they’re planning to buy. It’s important to know that the property about to be purchased is free of flaws and just right for the price. Many home sellers, on the other hand, wait for the buyers to do the obligatory home inspection. This can be quite unbeneficial for the sellers since if flaws are found, which almost what always happens, they may be forced to accept a lower price or spend more money on repairs. When you’re selling

Finding the Right Contractor to Improve Homes for Sale

By: Mark Ferrer | 25/11/2009
When putting up homes for sale, homeowners are always advised to stage their properties well. There are several cost-effective ways to stage properties but, for some, complete improving an outdated part of their homes is essential. If you’re planning major home improvement projects, you're likely going to need a contractor. There are several risks of hiring contractors but they can be efficiently eliminated if you know just who you think is the right one for the job. Here are some helpful tips t

Fixed Your Credit without Falling for Scams When Buying a Miami Real Estate Property

By: Mark Ferrer | 25/11/2009
Loans are getting harder and harder to get. The competition is tough and lenders are tightening their qualifications. You will need more than a stellar credit rating to pique your lender’s interest; you have to back it up with a praiseworthy application. And while on the topic of credit scores, those having a hard time repairing theirs will find it more frustrating if they fall prey to credit repair scams. So when you're trying to qualify for a loan to purchase a Miami real estate property, chec

Fort Lauderdale Foreclosures Tips: Contacting the Owner

By: Mark Ferrer | 25/11/2009
With the number of foreclosures sweeping the market listings across the country by storm, it’s no wonder that more and more people either from the country or around the globe are banking in some of the most affordable properties currently in the market today. But even though they are affordable, they are certainly not without risks. These homes, including Fort Lauderdale foreclosures, are laden with problems. From pests and damages to neglect and squatters, being a foreclosure investor is someth

Get Yourself Financially Prepared before Buying a Miami Rental Property

By: Mark Ferrer | 25/11/2009
There will come a point in your life when the idea of investing hits you. Like most people nearing retirement, there is still the yearning for security and sturdy financial cushion once they quit their jobs. Most people invest in real estate. They buy properties either to turn into second homes or vacation rentals. Others purchase residential complexes. If you’re in the city looking for a Miami rental property, the first important consideration is your willingness and preparedness to become a la

Know About PMI when Buying Miami Luxury Condos

By: Mark Ferrer | 25/11/2009
Many buyers are opting for FHA loans when buying homes. But since these loans have limitations, some Miami luxury condos buyers may not be able to qualify. Conventional loans are the only other options. Unfortunately, many buyers are wary of these mortgage options because lenders typically require them to purchase PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance. This is especially true if the buyers don’t meet the typical 20-percent down payment. Here is what you need to know about this oft-shunned loan acces

Miami Commercial Real Estate Industrial Property – Things to Find Out

By: Mark Ferrer | 25/11/2009
Real-estate investing is a rather difficult water to test. Like other commercial ventures, the road to success is laden with pitfalls, financial swamps and business roadblocks you should be sure to avoid. When investing on an industrial Miami commercial real estate property, the task becomes a lot more difficult. There are several things to consider especially since these types of property are generally larger than other commercial properties. So to make sure that your leasing will be relatively

Puerto Vallarta Real Estate – Mexico Condos in Riviera Nayarit Combine Lifestyle with Luxury

By: Jim Scherrer | 25/11/2009
Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, the beautiful stretch known as Riviera Nayarit presents an excellent opportunity with a variety of property possibilities, and a top-class, international lifestyle. While Mexico Condos are of the highest level of design and convenience, the area combines this with an interesting, eventful lifestyle, where you can choose from many options.

Buying a Home? Be Upfront with Your Agent

By: Justin Lee | 29/06/2009 | Real Estate
I have to admit, I was really impressed when he told me that he had kept calm when they mentioned that to him; I can't say I would have been as restrained. In effect, his clients had wasted weeks of time that he could have been looking for a more appropriate property for them on which they could have kept horses.

Purchasing a SCOPE Property in Baltimore

By: Justin Lee | 29/06/2009 | Real Estate
SCOPE listings will include an estimated cost for rehabilitation. The city makes these estimates based on the condition of the building and what they think needs to be replaced. Be aware, that these are rough estimates and your repairs will certainly cost you more than the estimate.

New Appraisal System Impacts Consumer

By: Justin Lee | 13/05/2009 | Real Estate
Homeowners don't choose who they want to complete the appraisal of their home or how they calculate the value. The appraisal management companies are actually unregulated and the quality of their appraisals may be inferior to those of an established professional appraiser.

Breaking Ground on the National Mall

By: Justin Lee | 13/05/2009 | Real Estate
The organic garden will include the spring crops such as field peas, lettuce, spinach and kale. Next summer or late season crops will be planted and will include tomatoes, peppers, squash and herbs. Nearby demonstration tents will display the meaning and principles of organic gardening and the public will be able to view an actual working concept.

Can You Tweet Your Way to a Home Sale?

By: Justin Lee | 21/04/2009 | Real Estate
Twitter, the massive micro-blogging platform (140 characters, that's all you get) could be your key to jumping in Google rankings and consequently getting more leads. This social networking site has been derided as merely a vehicle for teens and tweens to let their friends know what they're doing every nine seconds, but has gained quite a following in all demographics.

Green-Staging Your Home

By: Justin Lee | 17/04/2009 | Real Estate
Nothing can take the place of soap and water when it comes to marketing your home. Clean homes smell better - even if you or the buyer doesn't notice it - and look better. Invest in some orange oil cleansers for a fresh citrus scent and scrub, scrub, scrub! Instead of replacing bathroom fixtures, clean and polish them. Have your home powerwashed if it is covered with vinyl siding.

The Wisdom of Hindsight in the Real Estate Market

By: Justin Lee | 31/12/2008 | Real Estate
Add to this mix, greedy money lenders offering low introductory interest rates (only to spike in a few years), and resulting in too many people owning homes they can't afford. The demand for real estate begins to decrease, inventory rises, and eventually home prices drop. Sound familiar?

Common Sense Home Improvements

By: Justin Lee | 31/12/2008 | Home Improvement
Energy Star Windows - If your home needs new windows, then ensure that you choose energy star rated models. Not only will you save on heating costs, but you'll provide an extra incentive for a prospective buyer.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.32, 6, w2)