There are three ways to get leads on agents:
Locating a good agency, and then finding the right agent for you.
Getting referrals from satisfied customers and others in the field.
Learning of an agent accidentally, while out house hunting.
None of these is guaranteed to produce the perfect agent for you. Perhaps more important is what you find out about the agent after you’ve been given a lead, because you want a good agent, one who works well with you.
About half of buyers find agents through friends or relatives who have recently bought houses. Others may find the right agent only after getting out on the house-hunting trail. Open houses and referrals from bankers and others in the real estate field tend to be the least effective sources.
Whichever method you choose, be aware of the following pitfalls:
Asking friends for referrals. Remember that an agent works well with one person may not work well with you. Find out why the agent is being recommended.
Open houses. A very slow way to look for agents, and it doesn’t resember the real house-hunting situation.
Listing agents. Scrutinize their behavior. If you like one, ask questions about his background. But don’t automatically commit yourself to him, despite pressure to do so.
Recommendations from professionals in related fields. Surely bankers, insurance agents, and others must have some great suggestions. But most will hesitate to give you a referral. Some feel it would pose a conflict of interest with their work....
Are buyer’s agents effective?
Yes, they can be, especially where housing is tight and bidding wars are possible. Hire one if any of the following conditions apply:
You want a special, hard-to-find house.
You are hunting long distance.
You are in a hurry.
The market is tight, and houses are snapped up in a week.
You are buying a for-sale-by-owner house.
You are a first-time home buyer.
