51 Brilliant Real Estate Tips for Buyers to Edge Past the Competition

Ready to hit the market, buy your dream home and conquer this whole homeownership thing? It’s an exciting step in life, to be sure.

But there’s so much to keep track of along the way: hiring an agent, getting a mortgage, making offers, and closing the deal. Wouldn’t it be great if you could find a massive list of real estate tips for buyers to help guide you through everything? (Don’t worry; we know that’s why you’re here!)

Step one: Talk to a few buyer’s agents!

Tell us a little bit about your plans (where you’re looking to buy and when you want to make a purchase) and we’ll connect you with top-rated buyer’s agents in your area. It takes only a few minutes, and it’s free.

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If you’re feeling inundated with information and you’re unsure of where to start, you’re not alone. Buying a home can be incredibly overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, especially for those purchasing their first home. In fact, 64% of homebuyers said their most recent homebuying experience was stressful.

To help ease the stress and guide you toward becoming a savvy homebuyer, we tapped the expertise of top Illinois real estate agent Jen Ortman, who walked us through some of her best advice for buyers.

Here’s what you need to know before buying a home.

Hiring an agent

Hiring an agent is a big deal. This is someone who will help you through one of the biggest transactions of your life. Here’s how to find the right fit.

1. First things first: Don’t skip hiring an agent!

An agent’s job is to advocate for you and save you money during the complicated process of buying a home. They help you find the right home that fits your needs, referring you to off-market properties or hidden gems in a sought-after neighborhood you might have missed.

One of the biggest perks? Negotiation. They can handle tough discussions with sellers and can often help you get a better price than you might on your own.

On top of this, they take care of all the paperwork, deadlines, and inspections (or the stressful aspects of homebuying). With this, you have more time and energy on the exciting parts, like imagining your new life in your new home.

With all these, there’s really no good reason not to hire an agent.

2. …But also, do your research

That said, there’s a world of difference between a top agent who consistently closes deals quickly and saves their buyers money, and one who’s in the real estate game part-time to make a couple bucks here and there. So make sure you hire the right person!

Here’s a research hack: HomeLight matches you with a top agent in your area with a demonstrated track record of closing deals and getting great results. Simply enter a few pieces of information (where you’re buying, your budget, and where you are in the process), and we’ll find several top agents for you to choose between!

3. Stick with a full-time agent who’s at the top of their game

Speaking of researching potential agents, here are a few things you must do:

• Choose a full-time agent, and preferably someone who’s been in the business a long time (or is at least working with someone who has).
• Check how many deals they’ve done in your area over the last year. Is it, say, fewer than five? You might want to skip them.
• Look at the value they offer to past clients. Not only should your agent close a lot of deals, but they should be able to demonstrate through their results how they’ve saved other buyers money and helped them close quickly.
• Make sure the agent has experience in your specific neighborhood. They’ll have specialized market information that others won’t.
• Find an agent with specific knowledge that caters to your unique needs. First time purchasing a home? Your agent should be a first-time buyer whisperer. Planning to buy a foreclosure? Get an agent who specializes in them and knows the process inside and out.
• Work with someone who has a vast network of contacts. A great agent has relationships across the industry. Does your would-be agent have a seemingly endless rolodex of all the best lenders, contractors, inspectors, and property managers in the area? They’re probably at the top of their game.

Here’s a full list of questions to ask your real estate agent before you hire them.

4. Ask for references

Don’t hire an agent without asking for multiple — yes, multiple — references.

And make sure to check those references! Sure, it’s awkward, but not as awkward as having to fire your agent later because they weren’t the right fit.

5. Set expectations

For the next couple of months, you’ll have a close working relationship with your agent, so set expectations and boundaries right off the bat.

Talk with your agent about how you’d like to communicate and work together. Do you prefer text, email, or a quick phone call? What times of day are you the most available to respond to your agent? How often would you like to check in with them? Will you be working with a team, or will one agent be your main point of contact?

If there are certain times or dates you aren’t available, or when you can’t be contacted, be upfront with your agent. The more you communicate your availability and preferences, the better your working relationship will be.

6. Check that their personality is a good match for yours.

Again, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your agent over the next few months. Make sure they’re a good personality fit. You don’t have to be the best of friends, but liking your agent will make the homebuying process a lot more enjoyable.

For example, perhaps you prefer an agent who’s all business and doesn’t like to partake in chatting. Or maybe you need someone who’s extremely organized and will stay on top of you to get all your lender documents in.

Whatever your needs, make sure you find the right agent with the personality and work style to meet them.