The series continues with Kendra’s advice for a successful appointment…
Now that you’ve put your questions on paper (I wasn’t kidding about that!), you are ready for the appointment. I recommend taking notes at each appointment so you can compare agents when you get home.
In addition to your own questions, here are a few key points you’ll want to touch on:
How long have you been in the business? Experience is good, but don’t rule out a newer agent. What education and/or training does the agent have? Does the agent meet regularly with the broker-in-charge and do they have a mentor in the firm?
How will you be compensated for your services? Typically commission is a seller expense, but that is not always the case.
Do you have an agency termination policy? Before you sign a buyer’s agency agreement, make sure that you understand the firm’s policy concerning termination of an agency agreement – or if they even have one.
Do you have a list of service providers? The agent should have a list of providers such as lenders, attorneys, home inspectors etc. Make sure there are multiple providers listed for each category – you want to have choices.
The agent will definitely ask if you have been pre-approved or pre-qualified by a lender. If you have not spoken with a lender, you will be encouraged to do so. Your lender will help you determine your purchasing power so this is a critical next step.
After you meet with a lender, it’s time to get to the heart of the matter…
Next up: The house, the offer!
Kendra Stahl Wilson is a Broker, REALTOR®, and Certified Investor Agent Specialist with Century 21 All Seasons in Asheville, NC. She can be reached at KWilson@C21allseasons.com
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