Many potential home buyers do not realize it, but it is perfectly legal and perfectly acceptable to work with more than just one real estate agent when shopping for a home. Working with more than one agent can have significant advantages, such as a greater number of properties to choose from and greater real estate expertise. It can sometimes be difficult, however, to make working with more than one agent work. There are several important things to keep in mind if you plan to use more than one real estate agent to find the home of your dreams. For starters, it is important to be honest with each of the agents. Let each agent know that you are working with another agent or agents. Remember that real estate agents make their living from selling properties, and they have the right to know when there is another agent involved. If, on the other hand, one or both real estate agents express concern or resentment about your working with more than one agent, you may want to reevaluate your choice of agents. A good, experienced and competent real estate agent should not have a problem with you working with another agent, so long as you are honest and forthright. In many cases, letting each agent know that you are working with another agent may spur both agents to work harder to find you a home. It is essential, however, to keep the relationship with all the agents professional, and never to talk about one agent with another. Doing so shows a lack of respect for both agents, and it can come back to haunt you as the home buying process moves forward. It is also vital to provide each of the agents with your goals and objectives for the purchase of the home. In addition, let each real estate agent know your price range for the purchase. When working with more than one real estate agent, it is very important to return all phone calls as soon as possible to keep the lines of communication open, and to avoid having the same real estate agent call with information on the same property. Getting the same information from two or three different agents can cause problems and make the agents feel they are wasting their time. It is also a good idea to avoid going to open houses on your own. Doing so can cause additional issues between you and your agents. After you have found a property on which you want to make an offer, it is time to choose which real estate agent you want to represent you. This can be either one of the agents you have been working with, or even the listing agent holding the open house you attend. Working with more than one agent can have its challenges, but as long as it is done carefully it can have many advantages. It is important to honor the obligation to the agent and the information he or she has provided. For this reason, if you do find a home you are interested in buying, it should be purchased through the agent who showed you the home or told you about it in the first place. It is also important not to waste the time of either agent by asking him or her to show you a property you have little interest in. Remember that these agents make their living through selling property, and that their time is valuable as is yours. The bottom line is that you should not feel guilty about using more than one real estate agent to find a home. Using more than one agent can help you find a home more quickly and within your price range. The best way to make this complicated relationship work, however, is to be honest with all the parties involved, and to be sure to reward the agents for their hard work on your behalf. |
