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- MMI: Let’s say I am a first-time home buyer who has zero experience. In that case, how do I find a realtor?
- MMI: What questions should I ask a real estate agent the first time we meet? How do I make sure they will be a good fit?
- MMI: Is it OK to interview multiple realtors at first to find one that you like best?
- MMI: How do I know my realtor has my best interests in mind as I look for a home?
- MMI: What are some good etiquette items to keep in mind when working with a realtor? What are some things buyers should avoid doing?
- MMI: What services should you expect your realtor to provide for you?
- MMI: Are there any steps of the home buying process that the realtor can’t assist with? If yes, will they be able to make recommendations and referrals to help the home buyers?
- MMI: How much do realtors cost? Will I pay for any services while looking for a home?
- MMI: Any other thoughts about finding a realtor? Any final advice?
- MMI: Tell us a little about yourself.
MyMortgageInsider.com sat down with Ben Pridgeon, then of The Pridgeon Group. The topic was how home buyers can find a quality real estate agent. Ben goes into detail about how you can find a great agent. In particular, he covers the questions to ask a real estate agent to qualify them. He also explains how to make sure your agent works hard for your best interests and doesn’t waste your time.
MMI: Let’s say I am a first-time home buyer who has zero experience. In that case, how do I find a realtor?
Ben: The best way to find a solid agent is to ask a trusted friend who has bought and sold homes in the past. Referrals from my past clients are the foundation of my business.
Check your home buying eligibility. Start here (Nov 8th, 2026)
MMI: What questions should I ask a real estate agent the first time we meet? How do I make sure they will be a good fit?
Ben: Excellent Question!
- How long have you been in the business?
- Do you represent both buyers and sellers?
- How many of each did you close last year?
- Have you earned your broker’s license?
- Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors?
- Have you earned any designations?
- Do you have referrals to trusted lenders, inspectors, insurance agents, general contractors, locksmiths, cleaning companies, painters, roofers and other service providers?
- Where is your geographical area of expertise?
- Why should I choose to work with you?
MMI: Is it OK to interview multiple realtors at first to find one that you like best?
Ben: I strongly suggest that you interview at least 2 agents and see if you find a truly comfortable fit, someone you can really communicate with. Because at the end of the day, communication is what it’s all about. Don’t stop interviewing agents until you find one that really cares about your objectives and truly listens when you speak
MMI: How do I know my realtor has my best interests in mind as I look for a home?
Ben: You should never, ever, under any circumstances feel pressured. That’s all. Beyond that, make sure you are being provided with answers to all your questions in a timely manner. Agents have access to the information and if they don’t, they can get it pretty quickly. That’s our job when done correctly. You should never feel like you are “flying blind,” so to speak.
MMI: What are some good etiquette items to keep in mind when working with a realtor? What are some things buyers should avoid doing?
Ben: You will find that common courtesy and respecting the agent’s time will gain you a loyal, hard-working resource for a lifetime. Avoid working with an agent that you don’t trust implicitly. Many decisions will be made throughout the home search and transaction, even beyond closing. You must have mutual trust to successfully achieve your goals in a timely fashion.
MMI: What services should you expect your realtor to provide for you?
Ben: There are many steps to buying or selling a home. Your agent should make it seem like there are only about 6 steps in total. And it should be an enjoyable experience. Your agent must honestly love what they do and translate that into a good experience for you, the client.
MMI: Are there any steps of the home buying process that the realtor can’t assist with? If yes, will they be able to make recommendations and referrals to help the home buyers?
Ben: Absolutely yes to both questions. Agents are not lenders or inspectors for instance. And good agents all have a complete list of trusted service providers for every possible development in the transaction.
MMI: How much do realtors cost? Will I pay for any services while looking for a home?
Buyer-agent pay is negotiable. Since August 17, 2024, an agent who is an MLS participant must sign a written agreement with you before touring homes. It must spell out the agent’s pay. The seller may offer to pay some or all of it. However, sellers can no longer post those offers on the MLS, so ask. If the seller does not cover it, you may owe it.
MMI: Any other thoughts about finding a realtor? Any final advice?
Ben: Thanks for the opportunity to express myself on these important issues and questions. Bottom Line: Being comfortable with your agent’s demeanor and communication is equally important as your trust in their industry knowledge and professionalism; you need both for a smooth and successful transaction. Ideally, you form a lasting relationship with a trusted advisor.
MMI: Tell us a little about yourself.
Ben: My time is happily spent helping people buy and sell homes. I am a licensed Managing Broker and Realtor specializing in Seattle’s Eastside; Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Bellevue, etc. My wife, daughter, and our two very silly dogs live in Carnation; we absolutely love it here.
