How to Choose a Buyer’s Agent in the Bay Area

by Alessandra Imanabadi

By Alessandra Imanabadi · Nationwide Fine Homes

Ask whether you would trust this person when the advice becomes difficult.

Would you trust the agent who recommends stepping up another $100,000?

Just as importantly, would that agent tell you the home is overpriced, the investment no longer makes sense or another property would serve you better?

Pleasant conversation is easy. Judgment in both directions is what you need.

Look for the reasoning behind the advice

An experienced agent should notice more than whether you like the kitchen.

What are you compromising? What are you paying for? Is the feature you love worth the premium? Is the problem that frightened you actually manageable?

You should leave the conversation understanding something you did not understand before.

Then understand the agreement: services, compensation, duration, payment obligations and how the relationship can end. Those terms deserve a plain explanation, not a rushed signature.

The relationship should make it easier to ask questions—not make you feel committed before you are comfortable.

Alessandra’s first conversation is an opportunity for you to experience her judgment, attention and way of working. Whether that feels right is yours to decide.