Agent's Protocol

When you are looking for a home, your realtor is your primary resource to when it comes to understanding the sometimes confusing world of real estate. Your realtor not only helps you find the house you want but also has a wealth of knowledge to help me make a smart buy.

In order to have a success working relationship with your agent you need to always remember that he she works on commission. Thus it is important not to waste your realtor's time. If you are not positive that you want buy a house, consider starting your search on the Internet before you find a realtor. This being said, if you are ready to find your dream home a few tips to keep in mind when working with your agent.

• Be prepared to sign a buyer's broker agreement. You should consider these agreements as the formal beginning of your home search with your realtor. Be sure you know if you have an exclusive agreement, which allows your to work with only one agent, or a non-exclusive agreement, which lets you have multiple agents.
• Talk to your agent about going to open houses. Some agents prefer that you only go to open house accompanied by them.
• Be aware that most people who go to open houses are not yet represented by an agent. Thus, you may encounter agents who are looking for unrepresented buyers. Always be forward about the fact that you are already represented.
• Before signing your buyer's broker agreement, feel free to interview different agents to find the one that works best with you. Just make sure to tell these agents that you are still in the interviewing stage, and do not ever interview two agents from the same company.
• Understand that a listing agent works for you the seller, not for you. Do not mistakenly cut your agent out of the deal by working with the listing agent directly.
• Be ready to buy. Always bring your checkbook when your agent is showing you a house.