How to find the best Central Ohio and Columbus, Ohio real estate agents and home buyer agents.

Understanding what you should expect from an Agent will allow you to effectively select one. The questions should not just be about how long have they been in business, how many awards won, or how much volume generated. Regardless of those answers, you will not know the character of the Agent; Will they do what's best for you or are they more motivated by getting the deal to close.

Ask the Agent what they usually suggest for "earnest" and "deposit". Then ask if this is less than the norm or typical. If they suggest what is typical then you may have someone who most likely just wants to get the deal completed and not be working in your best interest.

If it is more of a Buyer's market, then the Buyer will want the lowest amount possible, even if it is less then what is typical. Look for someone who will deviate from conventional wisdom. Don't lose perspective though, of what you may need to do to get the deal done.

Identify in an Agent:

• Are they working in your best interest?
• Who do they represent in the transaction?
• If they represent the Buyer initially, could that ever change?
• How does that affect you if that relationship changes?
• Can they create value for you?
• How would they attempt to find the weakness of the Seller and to use that to your advantage? Ask them to give you examples of how they negotiate.
• How do they protect you? What items are in their purchase contracts that are specifically for the Buyers' benefit and protection?
• If they also work for the Seller, do they have a separate purchase contract for Sellers and for Buyers? (The answer to this is almost always "no" because an Agent that works with Sellers and Buyers can't afford to alienate either group). What you are trying to see is HOW they explain the answer and WHAT will do to put you at an advantage.