Feelings

Real estate is about feelings. Does your realtor say "How do you like this?" and then not even listen to your answers? Don't put up with treatment like that! The most important part about looking for a home (after getting financially pre-approved so you know the amount you can afford) is location. You need to find a location before you can find a home to buy. If you know just where you want to buy, that's great! It will save tons of time. But if you aren't sure, be sure your realtor shows you three homes in three different locations. This will enable you to get a feel for location. We all feel comfortable differently. I'm not talking race, color, age, gender or religion. No, I'm talking about style. To some, living in an up-scale location is more important than top school districts or large yards. To others, living in a location with people who keep themselves physically fit and like to dress accordingly, is where they want to live. But for some, space and safe schools and large yards are top priority. Only you know what works for you. But you will know what works for you when you see it, even if you can't explain it to your realtor. I'm not talking about steering*.

I'm talking about feelings. People know what they want. They just don't always know how to find it. Sometimes, they know, but are embarassed to say it to their agent. Say it! A realtor's only desire is to find her client the perfect home. Often, that perfect home is more about feelings than the home having three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Maybe you want to live where the neighbors drive only American cars? Maybe you want a place where you can have a home-office and know that your neighbors also have home offices? These are the questions your realtor might not ask. But if you want to be shown the right homes, tell these things to your realtor. She needs to know this to find you the right neighborhood.

*Steering is where a real estate agent (not a realtor, because a realtor would not do this, it violates our ethics) take certain legal classes of clients to certain neighborhoods because the agent feels that's where the client'll be happiest, because these neighborhoods are full of people the agent feels are like their client.