Awhile back, we wrote this blog post about questions you should ask when interviewing potential listing agents, but we think it's important to have a list of questions for potential buyer's agents as well, especially in this competitive market where it's sometimes necessary for buyers and their agents to get creative with their negotiation tactics.

By nature, a buyer's agent is more reactive to what they see on the market, so it's not as important to focus on their marketing strategies (although this is always good to know as you will hopefully come to trust your broker and want to use them as a listing agent in the future). What is important, is that you feel confident that your broker is knowledgeable about the market in which your looking, that they're committed to working hard for you, and that they will be able to advocate for you and always look out for your best interests.  You're likely to get a good sense for these things just by having a conversation with the agent, where they'll quickly showcase their level of enthusiasm and knowledge of the market, but here are a few questions that you should ask to get a well rounded picture of their skills and experience:

- How long have you been a licensed realtor?

-Have you represented other buyers in the locations that I'm looking?

-Do you have any client testimonials?

-Do you have preferred vendors that you trust and frequently work with for things like obtaining a mortgage, inspections, repairs, etc.?

-What are your fees and how do you get paid?

-How do you communicate with your clients about properties and other information (email, phone, text, frequency, etc.)?

-Will I be working with any other members of your team?

Personality is another huge factor when it comes to finding the right buyer's agent, but there really aren't any set questions that will help you determine whether or not you will "click" with an agent.  Nonetheless, don't underestimate the importance of compatibility!  Just be honest about your expectations and make sure that your agent has the ability and the desire to meet them.

To learn more about our agents and to see if one of them might be right for you, feel free to reach out at 617-236-0353 or through our website at www.thecharlesrealty.com.

Buying your first home can be overwhelming, you just don't know what you don't know, and mistakes can be costly.  Hopefully, you have a good agent to guide you through the process, explain your options, and serve as an advocate for your best interests.  But to get you started with your own due diligence, here's a list of 6 First-time Homebuyer Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them, brought to us from our friends at Inman.

For a complete guide to the home buying process, contact our experts at www.thecharlesrealty.com, or 617-236-0353.