Ah, where to begin? The last post addressed why a buyer should use a real estate agent and now that you are aware of the benefits and responsibilities involved you need to be armed with criteria to ensure that the agent you choose to work with is right for you and for the situation.

Who Does My Agent Work For? 

There are a few general points that you need to keep in mind. First, until you sign an agency agreement with your agent, that agent works for the seller. Most agents will not recognize this fact, they really do rally for your best interest, but the law considers them working for the seller unless and until they are engaged by you.

Do I have to Commit to a Long Contract?

No, you can sign an individual agency agreement prior to visiting each house. The agreement creates an agency agreement for that home and any potential transactions that may arise. I will say that the very best buyers’ agents will insist on a contract so that the relationship is clearly established for your protection as well as their protection.

 How Do I Find My Agent?

First, and perhaps most important, meeting with an agent does not constitute a commitment. If, after meeting with an agent, you have reservations about your ability to work with them - maybe you felt they didn’t listen to you or that they were not good at consulting you - don’t prolong the situation. Be honest and clear about your desire to find another agent.

Second, ask everyone you know whether they know a good Realtor (R) to recommend to you. If you are armed with more than one name to interview and you share that with the agents upfront, it will be much easier for you to end the relationship by saying that the other agent is a better fit.

You may also find candidates by asking people who have recently moved into your neighborhood who their agent is and how they like them.

What Do I Ask in the Interview?

• How many buyers are you working with (will you have the time to give me)?
• How much experience do you have?
• How long does it usually take to find a house when working with you?
• Are you a full-time agent or a part-time agent?
• In addition to your license, what sort of training and/or certifications do you have? (Realtors can earn specialty certifications and specializations.)
• How will we communicate with each other?
• What is the process that you use to identify houses and determine whether to go see them?
• Do you have references that I can speak with?

While you are interviewing the candidates, guage how well they are listening to you and whether they are answerring the question you asked or heading in a different direction. Sometimes people just dont communicate with each other well and if that is the case you definitely want another agent.

Finally, dont be surprised if your agent interviews you as well. Especially with buyers, agents can invest a great deal of time and money only to watch as their client buys a house with another agent or without any agent at all (working with the listing agent). If your agent is a an experienced professional, s/he will want to ensure a good working relationship before plunging into the process.

Remember, the most important tool you have in choosing an agent is your intuition. If you feel synergy and the agent is proficient then move forward. If the agent just doesn’t seem to fit your expectations, even if you can’t say why, interview someone else.

Good luck and good shopping!