God bless you for serving our country. My son (say a prayer for him Matthew) is serving in Iraq right now, and needless to say, I am on pins and needles.

I think some of the most important qualities in an agent is someone who will listen to your needs and wants and who has the ability to get you all of your needs and most of your wants. To find you the best value for your dollar. In this market, there are some great values. And since this is your first home, you need an agent who can guide you and teach you through the prosess.

Good luck, and thanks again for your service.

Wed Apr 30 2008, 07:31

As a first time buyer you are going to have lots of questions and there's so much you learn in the process. My advice is to pick an agent who is very patient and has the time to walk you all the way through. You also want one that has plenty of experience as they know all the little things in the contracts and process that they need to protect your interests with.

Thu Apr 24 2008, 14:33

Hello Trying to Buy,
I would suggest interviewing 3 or 4 agents, and after talking with the realtor, you'll get a feeling whether or not this person will work dilligently for you. Also, you will benefit if you can find an office that has an in-house lender. You, the realtor, and the in-house lender can work collectively as a team to get you the best program,rates,and fees. If you have any further questions, please email me. EMAIL: claire.elyse@yahoo.com

Thu Apr 24 2008, 13:35

Wow I am really going to resist the urge to plug myself here.
-
Often times though, the best refferals for an agent is someone your loan officer reccomends. For example, I have one realtor to whom I referr all my veterans. She is experienced and competent both in VA guidelines and in negotiating. I've worked with her many times and am very comfortable with her. Realtors we reccomend offer a cash incentive to clients to join the program, creditng a part of their comission to you.
-
But in general you shoud look for someone that only or mostly represents buyers, that is local to the area you are looking in, that has been in business a long time (check license histories at the link below), that has good communication skills and is "driven". Good agents are often busy so grade them on whether or not they keep the apointments they set, not how long it takes to return calls(if non-emergency).
You spefically want one that has done a VA purchase transaction. Not one that says "Oh, it's fine, I'm a quick learner". There are details with VA financing that must be taken care of the correct way on the Realtor side.
-
Good luck with your search.

Thu Apr 24 2008, 12:58

My suggestion is... interview.
Interview some agents and get to know their background, experience and possibly ask for references.
In this market, most fly by night agents have been washed out, so your chances of finding a quality agent are much greater.
Next, the advice I normally give buyers/sellers about agent is this: Realtors are in the service industry. This means that if your agent is not meeting your needs, then you should find someone that will. Any agent that makes there living from buying/selling homes should understand this and be willing to step up to the plate for you.

Thu Apr 24 2008, 12:31