How to Choose the Best Real Estate Agent for You and Your Needs

When it comes to buying a home, one of the biggest challenges faced by buyers is choosing the right realtor. With many buyers assuming that all agents are the same, problems can quickly arise and spoil the exciting and positive experience of buying a property.

Tips for Finding the Right Realtor That Suits You

With years of experience providing our clients with title insurance in Coconut Grove, Riva Title Company has helped numerous buyers navigate their way through the process of home ownership. Leaning on this experience, we have put together a short guide to help you find a real estate agent who matches your needs.

Learn From Mistakes

The best place to start your search is by speaking with your friends and your family who have been through the home-buying process before. Ask about their good and bad stories and pay attention to any similarities between them. In particular:

Did the agent fail to tell them important information early in the process?
Did they charge any hidden fees, or were the amounts charged at the end of the process significantly increased from the amounts expected?
How well did the agent communicate?
Were they personable?

These are the top four complaints that home buyers raise when asked about their experiences dealing with their real estate agent. If you are not happy with any of the answers, continue looking.

Can They Do What They Say?

With the above information in mind, the next step is to check the history of purchases they have assisted with. Ask for a list of previous properties, including any references they may be able to provide. If your agent does provide references, call them! Don't just take a list and trust that the people in it are real and that they will provide positive feedback. In addition to this step, when you are speaking with their references, be sure to ask about the type of property they purchased. While a real-estate agent may have experience purchasing beachside properties or mansions, this experience may not transition well to the type of property you are looking to buy. When speaking with any potential agent, be sure they can help prepare paperwork for important aspects of the purchase such as your title insurance. Contact Riva Title Company at 786-787-7888 to ask what type of information will be required, and ensure your agent is willing to help.

How Can They Help You Find Your Dream Home?

Any agent can tell you that they will be able to find you your dream home, but only a good agent can tell you how. Ask potential agents about networks they are a part of, including any satellite agencies they use to broaden their search. Many real estate agents only look through their own listings or listings held by their firm or franchise. While this list may be extensive, it could limit the options you are presented.

What Is Their Communication Style?

Buying a house is an exciting experience, however, it can be one which is easily ruined by a lack of communication. During your interview with potential agents, ask about the type and level of communication you can expect. Some agents will provide weekly updates whereas others may be more communicative. Whichever style they advise, make sure that it matches yours.

What Will Your Final Invoice Look Like?

During your first meeting, ask for a breakdown of the charges you can expect to pay for their services. If an agent makes up an excuse that they aren't able to provide one, this may be a sign that they aren't for you. All experienced agents can provide a thorough outline of fees that you can be expected to pay, even if the end result may vary slightly. If possible, ask for de-identified invoices from previous purchases of homes similar to the ones you are interested in. While this may not be an accurate reflection, it can give you a solid idea of what you are looking at and how transparent the agent is with their fees.

Find the Best Title Insurance Rates in Coconut Grove

Once you have chosen your real estate agent and have found your dream home, be sure to do your due diligence. A thorough title search can uncover any hidden ownership issues which may affect your ownership of the property. Speak with Riva Title Company at 786-787-7888 before you sign any papers and request a title search. Once received, make sure the owner clears up any inconsistencies prior to the sale and obtain a thorough title insurance policy to protect your investment.