Find a Real Estate Agent

Now that you found a mortgage lender and are pre-approved it is time to get even more serious about finding that dream home you have always wanted. So we are going to begin Step # 6- Find a Real Estate Agent…right now!

This, like all decisions in the home buying process, is a very serious step. You want to choose an agent you can trust, who has experience, who is an expert not only in real estate but in the city or neighborhood you want to buy in and that will go above and beyond to find the house that is best for you. So don’t just settle for the first real estate agent that contacts you or you see on a bus bench, make sure you sit down and do some research.

I would start with asking friends, family members, and co-workers for referrals. This is how most real estate agents get their business. They are in the business of impressing their current clients so that once those clients either buy or sell a home they will gush over how great their agent was and tell all their friends and family to use them. So make sure you get some names from people you trust and follow up with them online – check out their website, Facebook page, LinkedIn profile, and make sure to see if they have any other recommendations or testimonials on any of these sources.

Most people already have a few agents in mind - without even having to ask for any referrals. This is because you have been pursued by an agent in the past and get emails or letters from them. This is a good sign of a dedicated real estate agent and you should investigate them further.

After you have done some research and found some potential agents who seem to be the total package make sure you actually compatible with them. Meet with them, talk on the phone and make sure you like the person before you agree to work with them. During the next couple of steps in the process you will be working very closely with this person, so you want to make sure you can stand them and will be able to trust them.

Also, see what they are going to bring to the table to get you into your dream home. Don’t settle – your real estate agent will be your greatest ally during this process!

If you are looking for a real estate agent today I recommend getting in contact with a Keller Williams Agent at the Lake Minnetonka/Wayzata office. There are over 80 agents that are competent, knowledgeable, honest, and hardworking that would love to meet with you. Give the front desk a call today, 952-475-0111, and they will direct you to a few awesome KW agents! Or visit their website and click “find an agent”.

Now it is time to begin looking at listings in person and online! Check back next week to learn more about step #7 on the Road to Home Ownership!