What is the best way to find a reliable real estate agent if you are a first time buyer?

Question

I am a first time buyer, and will need some hand holding for my first purchase. I've heard of some terrible advantages that some agents take, and I want to find a reliable agent who won't take me to town (in a bad way). Any advice on how to best proceed is appreciated.

Answer 1

Being a first time home buyer can be a little scary. The first place to start is ask your family and friends about there purchase, a lot of times if they had a good encounter that will make the process a lot easier. But you should do some home work yourself as well. Find out who the Top Real Estate Agents are in the area in your local paper as well as on-line. Research there websites and see the information they are showing you. You also at the same time need to research who will be doing your loan. You can surely be pre-qualified at a local bank but your options will be limited. Look into lender not a broker, if you can find a local lender who has a corespondent relationship they may be your best bet. This lender will have control over your loan process with a wide range of products that can fulfill your needs. You still have to build a trust relationship with this person so there are many qualified questions you should ask them. Such as: What are interest rates are based on?
What are the next Economic Report or event that could cause market movemment?
When the Fed "changes rates", what does that mean for Morrtgage rates?
What is going on in the market today and the near future?

If a Mortgage Person can not answer this run away from them as they are not on top of the important information. Also make sure that you get a Good Faith Estimate for review.
The mortgage industry is a tough one with a lot of people out there just looking to make fast oney, try to work with a professional that is in it for a career. Meet face to face with the person and have a list of questions for them, you should be able to get a good feeling from there.

Answer 2

What do you mean by 'reliable'? All RE agents are licensed, and the license comes with ethical obligations. If they violate these, you can sue them.
As far as rates are concerned, these are set by the brokerage, not the agent. Shop around for the least percentage.
Do NOT sign an exclusive agreement. Make the agent work for you! If they don't do what you expect of them, you can find and work with another agent.
If an agent tries to talk you into signing a 90-day exclusive representation agreement, don't go for it. It means you can't hire any other agent during that time, and they can string you along.
Check out the BROKERAGE the agent works for with the BBB and ask for references. Other than that, go with your gut, and don't discount your own intelligence and common sense. They might know a little more about detailed Real Estate law, but if anything they say or do goes against your common sense, listen to YOU first.

Answer 3

find an agent who specializes in first time homebuyers or only acts as a buyer's agent. Don't feel obligated to work with the first one you meet--you need someone you feel comfortable with who listens to you. It's very emotional buying a home. When I started, I talked to several agents and they never seemed to listen to what I wanted in a house, they were focused on what they wanted to sell me. Know your price range and talk to lenders before you start looking, then find an agent. Good luck!

Answer 4

The best way to find a reliable agent is to ask friends and family to recommend an agent who worked well for them in the past. You could also ask co workers, church goers ect.
RE Agent,
Remax

Answer 5

Sunshine has it right. There are agents that specialize. Do not pay anything up front. Nada. Zero.
Go to REBAC.com (use caps) and www.jackosullivan.net for info and Email me with questions.
Good Luck