Many people do not officially hire their real estate agent.
The agent simply calls them based on a lead generation funnel that the person happens to fall into, like a web-based home search feature or a home values internet form.
Just because an agent contacts you, does not mean you have to work with them.
Here are a few alternatives you should consider.
Signing a Buyer Representation Agreement or any other document that binds you to any agent before you interview any other real estate agent may be the worst thing you can do.
Personality is just about as important as knowledge when it comes to buying your home.
After all, the professional you choose will be involved in possibly the single biggest and most important transaction of your life, and hopefully will end up being a lifelong friend.
Signing up with just anyone does not give you the latitude it will take to get a good idea of that persons experience, education or background.
All of these will be either valuable assets or gaping negatives in your home purchase.
This process allows you to get an idea if the agent you hire is simply in it for the money, or has more altruistic motives.
Choose an agent who does not have a secondary job.
Many agents will take a second job to make ends meet.
If this is the scenario, you can bet that agent does not have the experience and work ethic to make it work in the business.
If that is the case, you can bet that your transaction may not be the primary concern on their mind, and does not bode well for you.
Hire an agent whose primary point of occupation is helping people buy or sell homes, nothing more, and nothing less.
Keeping these 2 simply points in mind as you search for your dream home may end up saving you a lot of money and a lot of headache in the long run.
Do not get impatient and settle for anything less than what you deserve!