Krista Bolf, Ashland Homes & Real Estate Medford Homes & Real Estate for Sale

According to REBAC, some buyers think using multiple agents is good for them. These same buyers call a different agent on different days. They think by using different agents, they will find different homes and therefore they have a better chance of getting what they want. Not true.

Actually, it is better for a buyer to interview a few agents then choose the best match for them. 99.9% of the information on all homes on the market are available to every agent. It takes the right communication between an agent and their buyer client to find the best house, not luck. Also, if an agent knows a buyer has made a commitment to them, they will make a commitment to the buyer. Since agents only get paid once the house sale has closed, agent will work very hard to make sure their client is happy.

It is best for both the agent and the buyer to sign an exclusive buyer agency agreement since the agreement will define the roles of both parties, and it will be clear what the expectations are for both. The cost for this service? If the property is listed for sale, then the service is almost always free.

So if you are a buyer, find a good agent then work together.

According to REBAC, the fourth most common myth among first time home buyers is that if they wait long enough they will find the perfect home.

Although, I agree that a buyer should be happy with their choice on home and the home should meet most of their top needs and desires, it is unlikely that they will find their perfect house. I have found that even buyers in the top prices ranges, don't always get everything they want. When it does happen, it is a wonderful thing....

Sometimes, though, buyers are just afraid of making the wrong choice. A good agent can help them evaluate their feelings and determine if it is truly cold feet or a bad choice.

I once had a 64 year old buyer who wanted to buy a house in his price range, on a creek, and close to work, and he also wanted a good investment. Amazingly, we found one that had all of these items. He love it! We got through inspections, title, and we were ready to close. He called me in a panic - he wanted to back out! I asked him why, and as we talked through the issues, what we discovered was he was just having an attack of cold feet. He went on to buy the home and yes, it was a great investment....and he lived happily ever after.

So, don't ignore those panic feelings, but also anaylize the situation so you make a good choice - either way.

Yes, it is true a buyer can find information on almost all homes for sale on the Internet. In fact according to REBAC, this idea that a buyer does not need an agent to find a property to buy is the #3 most common myth among first time home buyers.

The fact is that that not all properties are advertised on the internet; Not all sites have current information; and not all site have a good method of selecting specific information, locations, and other criteria.

Some of the big complaints I have heard from people searching on the Internet are:

1. I didn't know about that property? I couldn't find it on x's site.

2. Every time I find a property for sale and call for more information, I find out it is either sold or pending.

3. I can only search by the major criteria like bedrooms and price....All I really want to look at are homes in the XXX area or xxx school district. There are too many to sort through.

The moral of the story....Find a good agent to help you find the home you want in a more efficient way.

According to REBAC, the number #2 myth held by first time home buyers, it that calling and using the agent on the for sale sign it in their best interest.

In my 15 years in the real estate industry, I have seen some really good changes to how "agency" works for the clients benefits as well as the agents. In the old days, all agents worked for the seller even if they never met the seller. Today, an agent can work soley for his buyer client. A buyer needs to remember that the agent listed on the sign has sign an agreement that they are working for the seller.

Buyers should select an agent that they feel is qualified to represent their best interests before they even start looking for a home. A buyer should interview at least two potential agents to get a good match then they can start looking for a new home.

The buyer usually does not save any money by not selecting and using their buyer agent of choice.

This is the #1 myth according to REBAC among first time home buyers.

This is a big mistake. There are huge variations in level of service and level of expertise between real estate agents. The first question for any buyer should be: are you a Realtor? Realtors have committed themselves to a code of ethics, regular real estate agents have not.

Buyers should ask at least these questions of their potential agent:

Tell me about your expertise? Look for agents that have their ABR andCRS designations. What this means to you as a buyer is that an agent who has this training will provide you will a higher level of expertise - even if it is not in number of years working.

Have you sold any homes in my price range lately? Look for agents that know the housing inventory in your range because they will have a better sense of value and be able to locate the better choices sooner.

Will I have any challenges buying a house today? Look for agents that will answer this truthfully. The market forces change daily. There are always some challenges, and it is better to know first before later.

There are many other questions to ask. Let me know if I can help.