For property showings in the Boston downtown areas and Brookline, two agents, a Buyers Agent and a Sellers Agent usually must be present. In addition the tenant/owner has to leave their home while you look. So you are inconveniencing three people besides yourself every time you request a showing.
Often, I can tell my buyers have had the following conversation among themselves. It goes something like this:
“Hey its free, lets let Jeff who must have little to do anyway show us some properties so we will know what we can afford out there. And by the way what can we afford out there?”
Here are a few things I would like you to do before you call me.
Get a Pre-Qualified letter from a bank.
You may have all the confidence in the would that you will be able to get a mortgage but the economy has gotten tougher and you should have this letter in your pocket before you go looking. If you see a property that you like and you don’t have your letter, another buyer who does have his letter can beat you to the punch.
Without it you are not even a qualified buyer!
Go to some open houses.
Although you don’t want to deal with the listing agent at the open house, its a good idea to see some open houses to make some basic assessments as to size of the homes as well as the neighborhoods. Its very important that you don’t start dealing with the listing agent at the open house because if you work directly with her you will not have representation. She must represent the seller. Call your Buyers Agent from the open house and ask him to meet you at the property.
Narrow down your options.
You will know from a few open houses which neighborhoods you would be open to living in. Narrow this down and resist the temptation to look at inappropriate properties because they are cheap. Its interesting to realize that you could move to this apartment very inexpensively but if you would not like to live in this area of the city, you are wasting everyone’s time.
Save up some interesting MLS numbers.
You know that eight digit number that starts with a seven? As you go through the listings make a note of these numbers and send them to me in advance. I will go through them, eliminate the bogus listings and I will show you those properties. Keep in mind that we show property seven days a week from 10 AM to 5PM. Please be on time as the showings are appointments, just like your doctor, lawyer or other professional. If you are late we will be late for all the showings, listing agents waiting and owners walking their dogs until we are done. believe me when I tell you, that’s not much fun.
If you can do these things before you call you will see the most appropriate properties in the least amount of time. This is the most efficient way I have found to get the job of finding something you like quickly.
When you are ready, I can provide very helpful Buyers Agency/Buyers Advocacy. You will never hear any manipulative language from me and I’m never in a hurry. I have been an Accredited Buyers Agent since 2002 and I represent buyers only.
Written by RE/MAX Destiny Accredited Buyers Agent Jeff Persons 617-512-3443
More articles by Jeff:
5 Clues That Your Boston Real Estate Buyers Agent is a Sellers Agent in a Brilliant Disguise.
Buying Boston Real Estate Without a Buyers Agent is Like Going Into Court Without An Attorney
A 20 Year Resident of Bostons Back Bay Tells Why He Likes Brookline MA So Much
5 Worst Questions To Ask Your Buyers Agent
Dont Just Investigate Your Boston Condo, Investigate The Mangement Company Too
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Please Be Sure You Are Ready To Act Before You Call Your Buyers Agent
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