Who is working for you?

When teaching first time buyer classes, I am frequently asked "How do I find a broker?" The search is simple.

Get the names:

1) Ask other people whose opinion you value whom they would recommend. Make sure their recommendation is based on their own experience!
2) Attend open houses and check out the agents holding them Ask anyone of interest if you can make an appointment to interview them. After all you are looking for someone to hire!
3) Go online and check out websites.

Got the names? Then interview your choices. Any agent worth their salt will be happy to arrange a time for an interview. If not, scratch them from the list!

At the interview, ask the agent how many transactions they have closed in the last twelve months. You want someone with transactional experience in this market! If they don't close at least one deal a month, I would want to know why not?

Another critical factor is their knowledge of the financing options out there. If they have no experience with the intricacies of FHA, don't know about spot financing, or have no clue about how short sales work, move on!!

Finally, how well do you "click"? You will be entrusting this person with one of the largest financial transactions you will ever make. Are they up to the task?

Ask for references if need be then decide who will be the best fit for you! And, importantly, don't let anyone sign you into anything before you are ready. It is ok to ask to get back to them later. A high pressure sales person is probably NOT the best choice for an buyer agent. You want the choice of house to be something you are comfortable with, NOT something you felt pressured to buy.

Good luck! By the way, we specialize in first time homebuyers and would be pleased to interview with you for this job!