Find The Right Real Estate Agent

A buyer’s agent is a licensed real estate professional who helps you search, evaluate homes, write offers, negotiate and manage deadlines through closing. Look for someone with experience in your price range and target area, who communicates well and explains how they are paid before you sign anything. In California, you can interview more than one.

What does a buyer’s agent do?

• Helps define your search. Neighborhoods, property types, commute and priorities. See determine your priorities.
• Finds and screens listings, including homes not yet widely advertised, and arranges showings.
• Explains market conditions. Recent comparable sales, days on market and how competitive a given price range is.
• Prepares your offer. Price, deposit, contingencies, timelines and terms, using California’s standard contract forms.
• Negotiates counteroffers, repair requests and credits.
• Reviews disclosures. California sellers provide a package of disclosures, and the agent helps you see what matters and which professionals to consult.
• Coordinates the transaction with escrow, title, your lender, inspectors and the other agent through closing.

Agents are not attorneys, tax advisers or inspectors. For legal or tax questions, consult the appropriate professional.

Do I need a real estate agent?

You are not required to use one. Some buyers purchase directly from a builder’s sales office or from a private seller. Even then, many choose representation because the paperwork, deadlines and negotiations carry real financial weight. If you have an agent, they represent your interests. A listing agent represents the seller, and in California an agent working both sides must disclose it and follow agency rules.

How are buyer’s agents paid?

Compensation has changed in recent years, and practices continue to evolve. Today, buyers are generally asked to sign a written agreement with their agent that states what the agent will be paid and how. The amount is negotiable. In some transactions the seller offers to cover some or all of it, and in others the buyer pays, or the amount is negotiated within the offer. We do not give legal advice, so ask your agent to walk you through the form you are given and ask for time to read it. If you are not comfortable, you can talk to a real estate attorney.

Whatever the structure, your loan officer should know about it early, since concessions and who pays what can affect your cash to close and lender guidelines on seller contributions. See closing costs in California.

What questions should I ask an agent?

About experience

• How long have you worked as an agent, and how many buyers did you help in the last year?
• What experience do you have in my price range and property type, such as condos or homes with HOAs?
• How well do you know the neighborhoods I am considering?
• Can you share references or recent client feedback?

About how you work

• How many clients do you work with at once, and who covers if you are unavailable?
• How do you prefer to communicate, and how quickly do you respond?
• How do you handle multiple-offer situations?
• What is your approach to inspections and repair requests?

About terms

• What does your buyer representation agreement say about services, term and compensation?
• Under what circumstances can either side end the agreement?
• Who do you recommend for lenders, inspectors and escrow, and do I have to use them?

How can I find good candidates?

1. Ask friends, family and coworkers who recently bought in your area.
2. Visit open houses. Notice who is prepared and who answers questions well.
3. Look at recent sales. Agents with several closings in your target neighborhood understand local pricing.
4. Check licenses. The California Department of Real Estate allows you to verify a license and see any disciplinary history.
5. Ask your loan officer. Loan officers see which agents communicate and close smoothly.

How do the agent and loan officer work together?

Your agent needs your preapproval letter to write strong offers, and your loan officer needs the contract promptly to order the appraisal and track deadlines. Share contact details and let them talk directly. Ask both to flag any issues early, such as an appraisal that may come in below the price, a repair requirement on an FHA or VA loan, or a close date that may not fit your rate lock. See make a smart offer and make sure the home is appraised.

At Lendia, we work alongside your agent

At Lendia, we coordinate with your agent so your offer matches your financing. If you do not yet have an agent, we can introduce you to licensed real estate professionals to interview, and you are free to choose anyone you like. Your Licensed Lendia California Loan Officer can also review how different offer terms affect your cash needs. Contact us or get a rate quote now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use the listing agent to buy a home?

You can, but the listing agent represents the seller. California requires disclosure when one agent represents both sides. Many buyers prefer their own representation.

How many agents should I interview?

Two or three is common. Compare experience, communication and how comfortable you feel with them.

Can I change agents?

That depends on the agreement you signed. Read the termination terms before you sign, and ask about them up front.

Is the agent’s commission negotiable?

Compensation is negotiable between you and your agent. Ask for terms in writing and ask questions until you understand them.

Does my agent need to know my budget?

They need your preapproval and a comfortable price range to focus the search. You do not need to disclose your absolute maximum.

Rates and terms depend on your situation; approval requires qualification.