When you get a real estate agent to help you find a home, you want to work together as a team. Since you don't have the training and experience that your realtor does, there are many things about the home shopping and buying process that you won't fully understand. Therefore, if you aren't careful, you can end up accidentally sabotaging your realtor's efforts to find you a great home for a great price and with the best possible terms. Here are some things you want to do to make sure you aren't accidentally sabotaging your realtor's efforts:
Don't talk to the seller or their agent on your own- You likely wanted to hire a realtor so they can take care of your many real estate buying needs and this includes acting as the go between for yourself and the seller. They know how to approach the seller's agent in the best way. They know just what to say and what not to say to help improve your chances of getting in the house you decide you want. Never go above your realtor and discuss a house with the seller or the seller's agent. You may say things that can ruin your chances of getting the house, make it harder for you to get it at your price, and make it harder for you to get the terms you'd like.
Don't act too eager when you are viewing the house- If the seller and/or the seller's agent is at the house when you are viewing it, then you want to make sure you don't act too eager. If you go in there acting like you have just walked into the house that you absolutely MUST have, then it can be harder for your agent to get them to accept a lower price.
Don't overdress, drive your brand new expensive car and exude money – While you want to look at houses wearing a nice and professional outfit and you want to look well put together, you also don't want to walk into the house looking like you just closed a multi-million dollar deal. You don't want to leave the seller and/or their agent with the idea that money is absolutely no object to you or they may be less willing to negotiate with regards to the purchase price, as well as other possible contingencies you may want included in the contract.
Don't make it hard for your realtor to contact you – It's very important for you to give all of your contact information including all your contact phone numbers, email addresses and even social media names to your realtor. This way, they can reach you immediately if a house suddenly comes on the MLS that they feel is right for you and may go fast. If they can't get a hold of you right away, another person's realtor who was able to reach them immediately may end up getting them the house and you will lose out.