You've been thinking about settling down and buying a home for quite some time, and you finally think you’re ready. You’ve looked online, you’re excited, and you’re ready to tour some digs! But before you start the house hunt, you’ll need a game plan and some guidance.   

While some people believe that real estate agents are there to simply unlock doors, buyers should know that a professional REALTOR® offers so much more. When you’re ready to hit the pavement, here are some things you should expect from your agent.

They prepare you
Before you step foot inside a home, an experienced REALTOR® will set up an initial consultation. This meeting is useful to clarify the home buying process, educate you on the current market, set expectations on both sides, and lay the foundation for a successful client/agent relationship.

If you haven’t already been pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll likely be given some local lender referrals. Securing a preapproval and establishing your budget is a critical first step in the process. It helps define the search, shows sellers you’re serious, and gives you the ability to shop with confidence and move quickly…an important advantage in today’s fast-paced market.

From there it’s all about that “must-have” list. What type of home are you looking for? Are there location considerations? How many bedrooms or bathrooms do you need? Is yard size important? Are you looking for move-in ready, or are some repairs and updates ok? What square footage are you hoping for?

All this information helps your REALTOR® narrow down the search. He/she will then send listings that match your criteria and, when you see a property that sparks your interest, it’s time to go take a look!

They’ve put in the legwork
A professional REALTOR® believes there is no such thing as too much information when showing homes to buyers. REALTOR® Frank Vicente with Century 21-Affiliated says an experienced agent will spend time researching potential properties beyond the MLS.

“When I meet buyers at a home, I’ve typically already looked into things like property liens, flood zones, recent structural modifications, etc.,” he said. “Our job isn’t simply to sell our clients a home, it’s to educate them and provide them with all the available information so they can make an informed decision.”

They point out things you may not notice
A professional REALTOR® should be guiding clients through every part of a home tour, and that includes pointing out areas that can sometimes be overlooked. REALTOR® Frank McGillis with RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals says this starts the second he and his clients pull into the driveway.

“Depending on the weather this can be difficult, but I want my buyers to take notice of the exterior…the neighborhood, the surroundings, the curb appeal, etc.,” he said. “I also take them around to look at things like the foundation, gutters, the roof, etc.”

Once inside, REALTORS® will likely be looking for signs of structural issues…wavy floors, large cracks, etc., and they will probably pay special attention to big-ticket items like the furnace, water heater, etc.  

“Buyers can be hyper focused on things like design and finishes, but it’s our job to help them make a sound investment,” said McGillis. “If we spot too many red flags, we can sometimes rule out a house pretty quickly.”

And keep in mind that finding a few issues doesn’t always mean you have to cross a property off your list. Your agent may just make note of any concerns so they can be discussed with an inspector or used as a factor in negotiations.

They keep you on track
As mentioned, buyers can become enamored with things like paint, lighting, appliances, etc., and lose sight of their priorities. For example, a buyer may tell their REALTOR® that having a home office is non-negotiable. But, when they see a listing online with a fully updated, designer kitchen, suddenly that office space isn’t as critical.  

“We have to bring our clients back to reality and remind them that a kitchen can always be updated, but it’s not as easy to change a layout or add square footage,” said Vicente.

McGillis says buyers are also tempted to compromise on their “must-haves” because of today’s competitive market and lack of available inventory.

“I think buyers feel they have to settle, but that’s just not true,” he said. “They may need to be flexible, but I never want my clients to give up things that are important to them. It may take some time, but the right house will come along.”

They ask questions
As a buyer, you’ll have lots of questions about the homes you tour. But you should expect your REALTOR® to have questions as well. How does this home compare to others you have seen? What do you like best about this property? If it’s not ‘the one,’ what was the dealbreaker? Vicente says REALTORS® are in constant information-gathering mode, and your answers help them serve you better.

“When choosing an agent, make sure you work with someone you trust and feel comfortable with,” he said. “In order for this process to be successful, it’s really important that we have a good rapport with our clients and clear, open communication.”

Emotions run high when making a financial decision this big, and a REALTOR® can provide an objective opinion, manage expectations, and help you stay focused throughout the search. When you’re ready to start your house hunting journey, visit the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® website at www.lansing-realestate.com for a list of reputable, local agents.