Top tips for choosing a great buyer agent in Massachusetts

The secret of residential brokerage in the United States is that 20% of the agents do 80% of the business. Conversely, 80% of the agents do only 20% of the business. Even more shocking, a recent study by the Consumer Federation of America showed that 49% of Realtors nationwide complete at most one transaction a year. This means the vast majority of agents in the business lack the knowledge and experience to serve home buyers properly.

When you’re looking to purchase a home, especially in competitive markets like Massachusetts, Greater Boston, or Franklin, MA, choosing the right buyer agent is crucial. Here’s why and how to make that choice wisely.

The Importance of a Competent Buyer Agent in Massachusetts

A competent buyer agent in Massachusetts can make all the difference in your home-buying experience. The best buyer agents are problem solvers and solution providers. From helping you evaluate what you’re seeing inside each home during property tours to navigating the offer and due diligence period of the contract, to successfully guiding you through the mortgage contingency period and onto the closing, the right buyer agent will manage the home purchase process from start to finish.

A competent agent is instrumental in making better purchase decisions and achieving better transaction outcomes than you could obtain on your own. The complexity of real estate transactions, especially in areas with diverse markets like the Greater Boston area, demands an agent who knows the ins and outs of the local market, regulations, and common pitfalls.

Why You Need a Buyer Agent Who Acts as Your Risk Mitigator

Most home buyers don’t know what they don’t know. This isn’t an insult—it’s a reality. Real estate is a high-stakes, complex field, and buying a home is one of the most significant investment decisions of your life. You need a buyer agent who will act as your risk mitigator, someone who has the knowledge and experience to mitigate your risk throughout the transaction.

Whether you’re making your first home purchase or your tenth, you need a trusted guide who is your fiduciary. The best agent for you is someone who has walked through this process numerous times and knows how to protect your interests.

Essential Qualities of a Top Buyer Agent in the Greater Boston Area

Here are the qualities you should look for in a buyer agent in the Greater Boston area:

1. Empathy: The foremost quality to seek in a buyer agent is empathy. In real estate brokerage, having empathy means having relative fee indifference. An empathetic agent’s attitude is, “No matter what I do, even if it leads to no commission immediately, it’s an opportunity for me to learn more about the business and earn the loyalty and trust of this prospective home buyer.” Call this the Standard of Excellence in real estate brokerage.
2. Competence: Competence is the foundation of excellent performance. It comes with experience and a willingness to turn experience into expertise. Seventy percent of all agents nationwide are part-timers and dabblers who do one to five transactions a year. Many less-experienced agents simply lack the competence to guide you. Instead of guiding you, they are guided by happenstance. A competent agent will save you time and money, while an inexperienced agent might waste your time and potentially cost you a lot of money.
3. Availability: Consistent, unwavering availability is crucial. Lack of availability is a critical disadvantage of the part-time agent. The best agents are there for you, ready to take your calls, texts, and emails, and answer your questions day in and day out. While 24-hour-a-day availability is unrealistic, availability for 10 to 12 hours a day can be a significant advantage when in the heat of battle to get your offer accepted.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Buyer Agent

To ensure you choose the right agent, here are some essential questions to ask:

1. Are You a Full-Time Agent?

Look for an agent who works full-time in the real estate field with professionalism and consistency. The best buyer agent is a full-time practitioner with a solid business strategy and a robust support system.

2. How Long Have You Been in Real Estate?

Most agents have been in the field for less than five years. It can take an agent 10 or even 15 years to achieve peak competence and efficiency. Experience matters, and it can be a strong indicator of an agent’s ability to navigate complex transactions.

3. Do You Have References from Past Clients?

An agent who provides five-star service and is proud of their work will be happy to provide references. Look at their ratings and reviews on sites like Google. Ask for copies of testimonials and letters of recommendation.

4. What Will You Do to Keep Me Informed?

Explore how the agent remains in touch with clients and supports them. Determine how much availability you’ll want from your agent, and then find someone who can give you the attention and time you deserve.

5. Are You Part of a Team?

Who will be working with you day to day? Be wary of teams where you might be handed off to less experienced team members for showings and offer preparation. Teams are only as good as their weakest links. Ask the agent if they will personally be with you for showings and offers or if you’ll be working with other team members.

The Final Decision: Trust Your Gut

The most important aspect of interviewing buyer agents is to listen to your gut. If your gut tells you that the person in front of you is trustworthy and capable, then go with that agent. This instinctive response can be the final piece of the puzzle in making your decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right buyer agent in Franklin, MA, or anywhere in the Greater Boston area, is not a decision to be taken lightly. The right agent will not only help you find the perfect home but also ensure the process is smooth and successful. I’m Warren Reynolds with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth in Franklin, Massachusetts, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to interview to be your buyer agent. Please contact me via the form below or call me at 508-561-6259 for a chat. Happy house hunting!