Other than being a complex industry, the real estate process of selling and buying a home can be quite tricky. If you’re a home buyer, it’s easy to get lost in the process – from preparing all your paperwork to looking for financing, down to dealing with the closing cost and home inspections. If you struggle in any of these areas, it helps to seek the expertise of a real estate agent. A reputable and experienced agent can guide you through the whole process. 

The question is, when is it practical to call your real estate agent? Keep on reading to find out more.

When to get in touch with your real estate agent

Once you’ve decided on a particular real estate agent to work with, it’s important to set a schedule for communicating and engaging with them because the process is a collaborative effort. Below are several important factors to consider:

• Daily or Weekly Updates: You and your agent can have a telephone or conference call to update each other on the progress of the real estate transaction.
• Email Updates: Regular updates via email are necessary. This is because you and your agent will be dealing with lots of information.
• Text Messages: Use this intermittently for confirming an appointment or short conversations. 
• Face-to-face Meetings: There are many instances when you and your agent need to meet face-to-face to handle complex details and situations. It helps to discuss things on a personal level.

What information to discuss with your agent

It’s worth knowing that no question is unreasonable. Even seasoned home buyers need the help of a real estate agent to get through the process. Below are several topics that ought to be discussed with your real estate agent:

• Property Information: You need to get information about the basic features of prospective properties you have in mind.
• Home Prices: The price is the most critical factor in deciding whether or not to purchase a particular home.
• Home Buying Steps: For first-time buyers, the whole process can be complex – from looking for the best property down to making the best deal.
• Finding a Mortgage: You may need a lender to finance your home in the form of a mortgage.
• Home Inspections and Repair Requests: Home inspection is part of the process where you and your agent need to inspect the home before buying the property. This may include repair requests, should there be damages or house parts needed to be fixed.
• Offer Negotiation and Comparable Sales: Negotiation will always be part of the process. As this is highly critical, you need the expertise of an agent to deal with the negotiation. This can go as far as comparing sales.
• Closing Process: Closing the deal can be the most crucial part of the process, which can make or break your home purchase decision. You want to make sure that you’re on the right track, and your agent can make a difference in this aspect.

There are several good reasons to employ the services of a real estate agent – here are 4 great questions to ask your agent before hiring them. An agent isn’t only an expert in the field who can assist you in your real estate transaction, but they can also help you find your dream home and get the best deal for your home purchase. 

Give us a call if you are looking into properties in Surrey, Clayton, Langley and other areas of the Fraser Valley. We’d be happy to discuss our process with you and introduce you to our top rated realtors in Langley.