A Real estate buying agent works on behalf of the buyer to help them find, tour, and purchase a home or condo. A great agent is knowledgeable, and experienced, and will guide you through the process with professionalism and integrity. They will be willing to put in the time and effort of shuttling you to and from homes, preparing detailed property information packages on properties that interest you, and digging up additional information about the listing that isn’t readily available online. They will also help you understand what you can afford given the current market conditions and home values in your area.

Market Expertise

A great agent will have a firm grasp on the market both nationally and in your specific city (New York City) to give you insight into what’s happening right now. They’ll use comps to understand the value of a home, help you understand market trends and sentiment, and have a sixth sense for when the wind is shifting in the local real estate landscape.

Professional Recommendations

An experienced agent will have a network of professionals they trust to work with like lenders, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, and escrow officers. This can be very helpful to you in navigating the process and speeding it up. You should ask your prospective agent for recommendations to get a feel for their working style and rapport with these other professionals. Their answer will reveal their level of commitment to you and their willingness to go above and beyond.