Tips for First Time Buyers to Select a Great Estate Agent

It’s an exciting time when you’re about to get a step on the property ladder. However, it can be pretty daunting too because there’s a lot to think about and negotiate apart from finances that is. For people who have never had to deal with estate agents and their “lingo” and protocols, it can often seem like you’re not on the same wave length. Below are a few tips for first time buyers to select a great estate agent which could make the whole process a lot easier all round.

Register your details with a well-established and reputable estate agent

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Work Out Your Budget
Before you contact or register with an agent you need to work out your budget. This offers agents a good indication of what you can afford and saves a lot of time because it avoids you having to view properties which may be out of your price range. It’s also a good idea to discuss your budget with your lender or financial adviser with the majority of lenders offering up to three times a person’s salary although, sometimes this can be more.
Make Sure You Define Your Requirements
Once you know how much you can afford, you need to be able to define just what kind of property you are hoping to buy before you register with an estate agent. Make a checklist of what you would expect the estate agent to do for you too. It is always a good idea to do a few property searches online before actually contacting any agents like this you save yourself a lot of time. You’ll be able to give them all the information they need to search for the ideal home for you.
Registering With A Few Estate Agents
It’s important to register with a few reputable and well established estate agents all of which should boast large databases of properties for sale. A good agent will also have lots of contacts to refer to if you are looking for a specific type of property that could be “out of the norm”.
Stay Flexible
You need to stay flexible when searching for your first home. Remember, you are in a strong position because you don’t need to sell a property to make things move along, but at the same time it could seem a little stressful having to do things you’ve never done before. Buying your first home is one of the largest purchases you may ever make so you need to know the agents working with you and have your interests at heart.

Estate agent should boast a large portfolio of properties that fits your criteria

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Meet the Estate Agents in Person
It’s also a good idea to meet up with estate agents in person when you register with them. This allows you to discuss what you are looking for in person which means the agents get a much clearer picture of what you can afford and the type of property you’re looking for. It is at this point you would need to decide how you would like to receive any information on properties that meet your criteria.
Show the Agents You Mean Business
You need to show estate agents that you are a serious buyer and you need to be very firm when it comes to budget. You don’t want to waste time looking at properties that are too expensive but at the same time, it is worth letting an agent know where you might be a little more flexible.
Always Give Feedback after a Viewing
It is important to give the agent some feedback after each viewing they arrange because it allows them to understand both your likes and dislikes about a property which ultimately helps them find you the ideal home.
Ask About Premium Buyer Service
In many of the larger cities, e.g. estate agents in Glasgow to provide excellence and differentiation, many Estate Agents offer first time buyers a Premium Buyer Service which offers earlier access to new properties they get on their books. This is invaluable because you get to see houses before anyone else does.
Conclusion
Buying your first home is exciting although a little stressful too. If you register your details with a reputable and well established estate agent and offer them a clear indication of your budget whilst at the same time defining just what type of property you hope to buy, the process will be made that much easier all round.
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