All of the calls I have received from ActiveRain have been from first time home buyers. This is a unique category of buyer because they have no experience (good or bad) to bring to the table. As an agent, I consider it my duty and obligation to ensure that we have a relationship of complete trust before we begin the process of finding a home. This often means many phone conversations, emails and long in-person meetings before we establish a Buyer Agency relationship.
My Real Estate classes recommended that I consider at first time home buyer a client in much the same way I would consider a family member a client. While this is not a relationship that requires disclosure, I fell like as agents, we need to assume a little of what I call the 'Mother Bear' role. This role requires that we provide an extreme level of protectiveness toward these 'new cubs' or new buyers. We owe ALL of our clients our total dedication, but the first time home buyer will require even more than that--they will require your hand holding, your listening, your ability to explain things in an easy way and finally that you be there every step of the way and at all times.
This complete access, combined with the fact that they often buy homes with a lower price point, cause some agents to steer clear of the first time buyer. I find them refreshing. They are open and enthusiastic. They also see things differently than the more experienced buyer. I always learn from them, just as I hope they learn from me.
If you are a first time buyer, please make sure that you feel completely comfortable with the agent that you select. This relationship requires trust and a belief that the agent is always working in your best interest. Since you don't always know what questions you should be asking, you need to believe that they will help you by asking the questions. If an agent seems to busy to spend a lot of time with you up front earning your trust, they will probably be too busy when you need a clarification of a term or an answer to a question.
Choose your first real estate agent wisely and you will find that the experience of buying your first home will be an exciting and rewarding one!
P.S. I will be holding a Home Buyer Seminar on November 22 at the Cascades Library in Sterling, VA. For more information, please read my post about it:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/653097/Home-Buyer-Seminar-at-the-Cascades-Library-DATE-CHANGE-112208
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I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!
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I LOVE first time buyers! I have worked with mostly first time buyers this year. I love being able to give them a positive first transaction.