Finding the right home is about asking the right questions. You want to ask the basics, such as square footage, number of rooms, school zones, and condition of the home and neighborhood. However, there are important questions you should be asking about your Realtor too. Asking these four questions upfront can help you establish a relationship of trust and professionalism with your Realtor, and ensure you are working with someone who fits your needs.
If you were in my shoes, where would you buy a home?
Realtors are required to give unbiased advice when it comes to buying a home. They are trained to present you with all of the facts and allow you to make an informed decision. This is why when you ask, “is this a good neighborhood?” you may not get the crystal clear answer you want. Instead, ask, “If you were in my shoes, where would you buy a home?” This allows you to get an idea of what up-and-coming neighborhoods you may want to be looking at. Another way to ask this is, “if your friends or family members were looking for a home, which area would you suggest for them?” Their answer is telling because, of course, they would only suggest the best and safest areas for the people they love.
Your Realtor’s response to this question only helps if their needs line up with yours. Finding a Realtor who understands your needs is crucial in a successful home purchase. If your agent has young kids, he/she will be able to recommend the places he/she knows is excellent for young families. If your Realtor is older and also reaching retirement, they may have a better idea about where you want to buy the house you plan to spend your retirement in.
Any Realtor can tell you the ins and outs of a neighborhood they are familiar with. But a great Realtor will be able to relate to clients in all seasons of life and be able to quickly identify the right neighborhoods and homes for you, even if it is not what they would personally be looking for. Jovi Realtors listen carefully to the needs and wants of their clients, and can connect and make recommendations based on their unique needs. This in-depth understanding and ability to find the right home for the right client comes from years of experience and expertise in the industry.
How can you help me save time?
In the beginning, house hunting is fun and exciting. But if it takes a long time to find the home you need, it can dramatically impact your schedule and lifestyle. Right away, it is important to ask your Realtor what they plan to do to help you save time. What can they do to make sure you are not wasting time viewing properties that do not meet your needs? A professional Realtor will probably mention that they plan to listen very carefully to your wants and needs and to narrow their search down to only the homes that most closely match what you are looking for. Your Realtor may take it upon themselves to visit the house before you do, and even take pictures or videos while they are there. Giving you this upfront information can prevent spending time driving to and looking at a house that isn’t what you are looking for. Your Realtor should be efficient in finding ways to save time during the house shopping process. It’s okay to ask your Realtor about their strategies to maximize the use of your time.
What will you do to help me make the best offer?
Long before you make your formal offer on a home, you should ask your Realtor what their plan is to ensure your offer is the most attractive. If their answer is to have your offer be at or above asking price, you may want to continue your search. A professional Realtor will have a strategy to make your offer stand out without upping the price. Realtors will ask the right questions, such as if the sellers want a quick closing, or if they need a little more time to move out. These will help the Realtor negotiate in a way that makes your offer stand out.
How will you help me decide?
Ultimately, the final decision of which home you choose is up to you. But part of working with a professional Realtor is using their expertise and experience to help you navigate this decision. Ask your Realtor what they do to help buyers narrow down their search, see the pros and cons, and pick the right one. Most Realtors really love real estate and can get caught up in the aesthetics and features of the home, even if they do not necessarily reflect the needs and wants of the buyer. Make sure your Realtor plans on listening carefully to your desires and giving you all of the facts upfront. This question will also help you determine if the Realtor will be pushy in their opinions or completely laid back and hands-off. You want someone bold and confident, but who remembers at the end of the day that this is your family, your home, your life. This is especially important for first time home buyers.
The more you can understand about the background and experience of your Realtor, the better. Some important questions to ask before the home buying process begins to include:
Which areas would you consider yourself a neighbourhood expert?
How long have you been in business?
Do you work on your own or with a team?
What is your schedule and availability?
How many of your client base is home buyers like me?
How many clients are you currently working with?
How much communication can I expect throughout the process and what is the best way to reach you?
The Final Question: Why Haven’t You Called Jovi Realty Yet?
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, and working with the Jovi Realty team can make it quick, profitable, and stress-free. Our dedicated Realtors are more than happy to answer all of your questions to ensure the right fit. We know that the magic happens when you find a Realtor who really sees you, understands you and is focused on helping you find your dream home.
Read the original article from Jovi Realty Inc. here: https://jovirealty.com/questions-to-ask-when-house-shopping/
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