Are you buying a home soon and wondering what does your realtor do for you? Let’s review things at a high level.
Before Your Search Starts
Listening:
Things you can expect from a buyer’s agent include listing to you/your story and reason for moving. This helps to better understand what you need and want in a home. Your agent will be able to connect you with a local lender who will support the financial aspect of your purchase. If you already have a lender working on your behalf, your Realtor should reach out and introduce themself.
Expect answers to any and all questions you have. That said – please remember that an agent may be balancing multiple clients – so instantaneous answers are not always possible. Additionally, there are times a Realtor may need to seek guidance from their broker or the seller’s agent – this can also hold up feedback at time. Rest assured – it is in everyone’s best interest to get the right answers to all of your questions.
Education:
This is one of the most important aspects of your agent’s role. Expect guidance and insight into the transaction process and steps to expect along the way. My opinion is that education and setting process expectations can pave the way for a smoother transaction.
Market Data & Insight:
A skilled agent will provide current market data to help prepare you for your search. This can include home sale trends, pricing information and anything that you feel important to your decision making process.
Get You Ready for the Search:
Set up a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) search based on your criteria/location/parameters.
With Your Search Underway What Will Your Realtor Do For You?
Look for your agent to schedule tours and showings, accompany you on visits and discuss questions with the listing agent. Remember – never discuss things that can have an impact on your negotiation onsite.
Your Realtor will prepare you for the offer process as well as initiating and negotiating an offer on your behalf. Staying on top of dates and deadlines with an accepted offer is of the utmost importance. This prompting and guidance will come from your real estate agent.
A truly local, skilled agent will have a network of trusted providers to share with you to help navigate your purchase. Typically at this point the list includes home inspectors and insurance agents. However, that may expand to other professions (if specific tests are required or repairs may be in order). Your agent will also attend all inspection appointments and walk-throughs.
With everything set and a clear to close received, your Realtor will be there to support your transaction across the finish line (aka closing).
Home Sweet Home
Following closing, you can expect your Realtor to be your local resource in the community for any post-close needs you may have. This would be both housing and/or community related. Beyond that, please look to your agent to remain your trusted real estate partner.
What Does Your Realtor Do For You?
Many people often wonder the roles real estate agents play in the process. This article is truly a high-level overview of services offered by a buyer’s agent. Most agents go above and beyond to see transactions across the finish line. If you or someone you know is thinking about buying a home in St. Johns, St. Augustine or the Jacksonville Metro area, please feel free to contact me. It would be my honor and pleasure to see if I am the right fit for you and your upcoming search.
Please remember, there are changes coming on August 17th to the format of working with a buyer’s agent in Florida. If you have questions on this subject, please also feel free to reach out and it would be my pleasure to educate you on the topic.