While plenty of real estate agents in Los Gatos are reputable and hard-working, you are bound to come across a lemon if you’re one of the many first time homebuyers in the area.

There were 560,000 homes sold in the United States in 2016. Will your home be part of this year’s home sales statistic? In order to be sure you can buy or sell a home without much of a hassle, here’s how to find a real estate agent that is a good fit for you.

1. The Agent Listens To Your Needs

In most cases when you’re looking for help buying or selling a home, real estate agents will offer you a free consultation, or you might be asked to fill out a questionnaire. This happens so that the agent can get to know you and your preferences regarding your future home.

This consultation gives you a chance to feel out the agent a bit as well. Is he or she listening to your needs?

For instance, if you’re interested in buying a raised ranch, is your prospective realtor trying to show you a bunch of colonials in the area? Is she offering to show you houses outside of your price range?

If so, then perhaps it’s time to find a new agent to work with. Though you’re not paying for every single session you spend with your realtor, the payments add up if you’re looking at houses you need to rule out.

2. The Agent Gives You Advice

Did you know that 90% of home sellers are advised by realtors to do some landscaping on their yard before showing the home?

This is the kind of feedback both buyers and sellers need from their agent. Excellent agents want to help a homeowner or a couple of first time homebuyers to go through the process of acquiring or selling a home with as much knowledge as possible. If your realtor is hesitant to give you advice, or they misguide you in any way, it’s time to cut them loose.

3. The Agent Is Transparent About Everything

When you find a real estate agent and he or she is not transparent about the homebuying process, you have a right to be nervous about working with that person. You also reserve the right to say goodbye.

From the time you view a house to the day you close the deal, a decent agent should be able to talk you through every step of the way. If there are potential issues with the home insurance options for the property you’re interested, or if the property is in a flood plane, you should know right away. If there are issues with the house foundation, that should be an immediate concern, not just for your but also for your agent.

Transparency is everything when you’re making a transaction worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Making sure that your realtor is transparent is ensuring that he or she is totally on your side through the process. Transparency proves how much they value your best interest as a first time homebuyer.

Ready To Choose An Agent?

Now that you know how to find a real estate agent that’s worth your time and money, are you ready for the next step in your house hunting journey? If so, contact us today for more tips on how to buy or sell a home.