Whether you’re looking for Lancaster, PA realtors, or realtors in surrounding areas/anywhere else in the country to help you buy your next home, you’ll want to find a real estate agent who is the right fit to help you on this journey.

One of the most exciting things we do in our lives is finding and purchasing a new home! While it’s an exhilarating time when you finally close on the home you’ve been searching for, it also can be very stressful, and full of complicated twists and turns.

I’ve compiled a list of important qualities to look for in an agent before you go to buy a house!

1 – Market Knowledge

When push comes to shove, buying a home is likely the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make. Your next agent should be familiar with the market in your area.

For example, I know that real estate in Lancaster, PA is far different than real estate in York, PA, which is a far different market than real estate in Harrisburg, PA (catch my drift?). Every market is different, and your agent should be familiar and experienced with what the market is like in each location, how long houses take to sell in any one spot, and what price they’re selling at.

This market knowledge will go a long way to help you and your agent find an appropriate place to put an offer on for your next home.

2 – Understanding Your Needs

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to your next home. Your specific housing needs will be vastly different from someone else, even if there are similarities between you and someone else.

It’s important that the agent you choose understands and acknowledges your needs, not what they think you need. If school districts are an important factor in your decision-making, then your agent should be digging for potential homes in great school districts.

If you and your agent are on different wavelengths when it comes to looking for the perfect house for you, have a conversation with them to let them know exactly what you want, and what you don’t. When that still isn’t working, then it might be time to find an agent who will really listen and accommodate to your needs (*cough* – I’d love to talk to you!)

3 – Time Is Of The Essence

With how the current housing market is with plenty of people looking to buy (hey, thanks low interest rates!), you don’t have time to waste when going to see a house that has just hit the market. Make sure your agent has excellent communication with you, and that they know exactly how you prefer to communicate.

You may need to see dozens of homes before you find “the one”, so be sure your agent is flexible and available to show you those houses before they get scooped up by someone else!

Lately, realtors in Lancaster, PA (and surrounding areas) have been BUSY with the heat of the market, but that’s no reason not to give you due attention and time. After all, in a hot market, those who act first WIN!

4 – Keeping Cool Under Pressure

Real estate transactions rarely fit any one mold. Problems can and often do arise from any transaction where two parties come together, especially when you’re talking about something as significant as real estate. Buying your next home can be an emotional process, but not just for you as the buyer. Sellers emotions can also come into play so it’s important that your agent has a calm disposition under pressure.

5 – Comfort Is King

When it comes to buying your next home, it’s extremely important that your agent has compassion and full understanding that this is not only a huge financial decision, but also that there can be a lot of emotion involved too.

You want to make sure that you’re comfortable with the agent you choose. You’ll be texting, e-mailing, social media messaging, and calling frequently with them, as well as spending plenty of time with them touring homes and handling paperwork.

You wouldn’t want to go through the often stressful and intensive process of buying a home with an agent that you don’t trust and feel comfortable with, so take extra time to find that right person for you.

The Bottom Line

If you’re buying a home, you will want someone you trust, that you can communicate easily with, that makes themselves available to you, that has important market knowledge, and that you just plain feel comfortable with.

Whether you’re looking for Lancaster, PA realtors, or realtors in York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, and Berks and Chester Counties, and of course all over the United States, these 5 tips can help make your experience one you’ll never forget (in a good way)!

If you haven’t found that right person yet, I’d like to talk to you. Fill out the form below and we can get started on helping you find your next home!