A recommendation from someone you trust can be a good starting point, but it’s important to evaluate whether an agent is the right fit for you.

Consider asking prospective agents:

• Which neighborhoods and property types do you specialize in?
• How many buyers have you helped in the past year?
• Will you work directly with me, or will other team members assist?
• How will you find properties and communicate potential opportunities?
• How do you approach offers and negotiations?

Look for someone whose experience, availability, and communication style match your needs.

We can help connect you with real estate professionals familiar with the North Texas market.

Years in the industry alone don’t tell you everything about an agent’s experience. Consider their recent transaction history, familiarity with your preferred area, and experience working with buyers in situations similar to yours.

Ask how they evaluate comparable properties, approach competitive offers, and help clients understand local market conditions. An agent who knows your target area and communicates a clear strategy can help you make more informed decisions.

Professional designations and continuing education can also be useful indicators of an agent’s commitment to their work, but they should be considered alongside practical experience and service.

Before working with an agent, make sure you understand whom they represent and what that relationship means for you.

A buyer’s agent generally represents the buyer’s interests under the terms of the applicable agreement. A listing agent generally represents the seller. In some circumstances, an agent or brokerage may have relationships with both parties, subject to applicable rules and disclosures.

Ask how representation works, how potential conflicts are handled, and what options are available if you have concerns.

You may also be asked to sign a buyer representation agreement. Before signing, review its duration, scope, exclusivity provisions, compensation terms, and termination conditions. Ask the agent to explain anything you don’t understand, and make sure the agreement reflects what you’ve discussed.

Real estate agent compensation is negotiable and can vary by agent, brokerage, transaction, and agreement. There is no single commission rate that applies to every purchase or sale.

Before entering into an agreement, ask:

• How will the agent be compensated?
• What compensation is specified in the buyer representation agreement?
• Will the seller or another party contribute toward that compensation?
• If the agreed compensation isn’t fully covered by another party, could you be responsible for the difference?
• Are there any additional fees or conditions?

The terms should be clearly explained before you commit. Don’t assume that the seller will pay all buyer-agent compensation or that using an agent will always be free to the buyer.

If you’re considering a newly constructed home or a property being sold directly by its owner, ask how representation and compensation may differ in that transaction.

Buying a newly constructed home or a property listed for sale by its owner can involve different considerations.

New construction: Builders may have their own registration procedures, deadlines, and policies concerning buyer representation and agent compensation. Ask your agent about these requirements before visiting a sales office or registering with a builder.

For Sale by Owner (FSBO): A property listed directly by its owner may not involve a listing agent. If you want representation, discuss with your agent how communication, negotiations, contract preparation, and compensation would work in that situation.

In either case, understand your representation agreement and any relevant builder or seller requirements before moving forward.

“FSBO” stands for For Sale By Owner. This means a seller did not select a Realtor to sell their home and they are listing the home themselves. Typically when this happens the buyer’s Selling Agent will still get the 3% commission as the sellers have most likely budgeted at amount in their seller’s net equity calculations.

Once you’ve selected an agent, you can begin looking for a home that fits your needs and budget. As you prepare to make an offer, we’ll help you understand how the purchase contract and timeline affect your mortgage.

Continue to our House Hunting guide to learn about finding a home, making an offer, and preparing for the next stage of the mortgage process.