When a buyer works with a real estate agent for the first time, it’s understandable that they are focused on finding their dream home. However, this excitement can often lead to unrealistic expectations of the realtor. These expectations, when coupled with inexperience with the buying and selling process, can often lead to mistakes. Here are some of the top mistakes buyers make that might damage their relationship with their realtor.
1. Calling Listing Agents Without Their Realtor
Although it can be tempting for buyers to call listing agents on their own to get a jump on the property, this isn’t the best idea—and most real estate agents don’t appreciate it. After all, a buyer hires a realtor for a reason. Why not take advantage of the services they’ve been hired to provide? If you’re interested in a property, get in touch with your real estate agent so they can make the calls and do their job.
2. Asking to View a Property Before Being Pre-Approved
Keep in mind that most real estate agents have busy schedules. A viewing can take several hours, in some instances. As a result, before the buyer has been pre-approved for a loan, agents most likely won’t be eager to show the property. For all the agent knows, the buyer could be wasting their time viewing a home that they can’t feasibly purchase.
3. Wanting to See Homes Outside Their Price Point
In a similar vein, buyers should avoid wasting their real estate agent’s time by requesting to view a home outside their price point. Although this might satisfy some curiosity for the buyer, they are ultimately asking the agent to spend several hours of their time showing a house the buyer can’t purchase.
4. Viewing a Home Several Times and Not Making an Offer
Again, this mistake comes down to disrespecting the time of the real estate agent. If a buyer wants to view a particular property five times, the process has taken a significant amount of the realtor’s time. In addition, they’ve done so with the assumption that the buyer will put in an offer on the home. Before putting a great deal of time into a particular property, buyers should make sure they’re interested in putting in an offer.
Do you have questions about the home buying and selling process? Curious what you can expect from your real estate agent? Reach out to us for assistance.
