Buying my first home

**lookin** · 10-09-2009, 04:52 PM

Hi,
I'm buying my first home and have many questions in these odd times. I guess the first one that comes to mind is..... If I'm not under contract with a realtor what are the pros and cons of going straight to the listing agent?
I live in SoCal and I understand that when an offer is made you are under contract with that agent for three days from when the offer is made? Is that true?
Being a buyer, what is a good way to find an agent that will work for you?
So far (I hate to say) most agents out there are in it for themselves not me. Now that I've offended all the agents, is anyone left to answer my questions.... lol

Thanks for your help
Dave

**SearchTheJungle** · 10-09-2009, 06:13 PM

Hi Dave,

I'm not a Realtor, so I'm not offended. LOL.

If it were me, I would not go straight to the listing agent, because:

1. It's better to have someone represent you

2. In this economy, spreading the money around (between a buyers agent and sellers agent) would be nice

As far as picking an agent, this is what I would do:

1. Stay away from the so called "top producers", and other self-awarded titles unless they can be substantiated.

2. Scout the homes for sale in your neighborhood (put your address in at google maps, and then click "show more options" next to the "Search Maps" button, then choose "Real Estate" and click the "Search Maps" button again - this will show most homes for sale in your area).

3. Find the top 5 realtors that work in your area, but exclude any that you've heard negative stuff about repeatedly.

4. Set up interviews.

5. Ask for a list of the last 10 people they have personally represented in your area as a buyers agent. This will tell you (a) how many transactions they have handled recently (i.e. if they really are a top producer), and (b) give your several of their clients to contact.

6. I think you ideally want someone familiar with your area (2-3 miles circumference from your home), who sells homes in your price range.

7. Check that your choice(s) have the credentials they say they do. Also check if they have had any ethics violations or complaints against them. Check them on the web to see what else you may find (positive or negative).

8. Don't just pick a realtor because they look pretty. LOL (See: [URL="http://searchthejungle.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/the-three-ps-of-choosing-a-real-estate-agentor-is-that-really-you/"]The Three P

**Moore** · 10-10-2009, 03:30 AM

You should more optimistic about agents. why not ask your friends or some collegues? I think that they can advice you some nice agents who are real professionals and who have some references. And follow all those wonderful tips you see above. It's a real treasury!

**lookin** · 10-10-2009, 11:30 AM

Thanks,
sounds like great advice....

**Sabir** · 10-12-2009, 10:49 PM

So, you don't want to contact agents nearby you. Then, i suggest you to find property & real estate portals in your area. i think that's the best way to buy a house with out contacting a agent. Good luck with that :-)

**AdamAgent** · 10-13-2009, 02:18 AM

I can't speak on cali law. I'm in tx and our laws are very different.

However, I CAN speak on one thing.. Our Century 21: Judge Fite Company Agents are all very deserving of your business. Good, hard working people with families to feed and a mortgage to pay who know how to treat their buyers with respect. I could refer you to an experienced buyer's agent in your area if you like, from whatever company you wish to choose.

**markbrian** · 10-13-2009, 06:23 AM

As a licensed agent in SC, I do not know the laws in CA and cannot advise you regarding your questions about CA contract law.

What I can suggest is doing some online research to find agent's blogs and also check out the answers they give in forums such as this one. Interview them and use recommendations from friends, neighbors, coworkers and narrow the field down until you have found someone experienced and good fit for you.

I know once you find a great agent they will make finding and buying the home of your dreams seem easy! Best wishes and please come back to keep us updated with your progress in purchasing a home.

**mhien18** · 10-13-2009, 01:19 PM

Is that normal to be turn off 4th times for your house offers?
Yes, I got a friend who is my realtor now, she is always a nice friend of mine so I don't mind sign contracts with her. But...it has been several months and we have visit at least 20 houses but we get to nowhere, the last house we make offer got rejected again! And it;s the 4th one we make offer.

is that normal for a first time home buyer got rejected that many time? I really just want a house...

Originally Posted by Moore

You should more optimistic about agents. why not ask your friends or some collegues? I think that they can advice you some nice agents who are real professionals and who have some references. And follow all those wonderful tips you see above. It's a real treasury!

**Jackobear** · 10-13-2009, 02:04 PM

...posted int he wrong forum...sry...ignore this

**markbrian** · 10-14-2009, 07:07 AM

To answer mhien18's question, yes it is possible to make offers on many different homes and not get one. There are ways to write up an offer to make it more attractive to sellers.

I would suggest asking your agent why you did not get the homes you have made an offer on. Were your offers countered? These homes you did put in an offer on, have they closed? And if they did close, is the price they sold for much more than what you offered? Or about the same?

Are you making your offers based on recently sold comparable homes? Is your offer contingent on several different things? Are you submitting a pre-approval letter or proof of funds letter with your offer?

Without knowing all the details it is hard to say why you have not had an offer accepted. But frank discussion with your agent should be more helpful than anything we could say since they know all the details.