Simple Ways To Avoid Wasting Your Time With Your Real Estate Agent
When you're looking to buy a home, it's important that your relationship with your real estate agent goes smoothly. You'll likely be spending plenty of hours together, and getting along well will make that time more enjoyable for both of you. There are a number of simple things that a house shopper can do that not benefit the time of his or her agent — and this can add a challenge to the working relationship. Fortunately, a little forethought can help you steer clear of these missteps and be as close to the perfect client as possible. Here are some simple ways that you can avoid not using your agent's time wisely.
Look At Online Listings Meticulously Before Booking A Showing
When your agent sends you an online listing for a property that appears to meet the majority of your search criteria, it's easy to get excited and book a showing. However, you may turn up at the house with your agent, only to realize that it has a feature that doesn't work for you — for example, the home's master bedroom is far too small for your needs. Had you taken the time to consult the room measurements in the online listing, you'd have known about this problem in advance and wouldn't have had to waste your time and your agent's time going to the showing.
Don't Book A Showing Because You're Curious
When you're in the market for a home, it can be fun to browse various online listings, including those of homes that you wouldn't seriously consider buying. If a home appears to be very swanky or unique, you might want to take the opportunity to book a showing and check it out — even if you have no intention of submitting an offer on the home. This isn't very beneficial or a productive use of your or your real estate agent's time.
Don't Make The Agent Call You Twice
It's important to respond in a prompt fashion when your agent reaches out to you. If you miss his or her phone call, a follow-up phone call or email as soon as possible is the right way to proceed. If your agent doesn't hear from you, he or she will have to remember to follow up with you again by phone, which isn't as efficient for you or your real estate agent. Remember, your agent may be waiting on your approval before moving forward with something related to an offer or a showing appointment.
