For an agent guided home purchase in Atlanta, the key is to interview agents to find a Buyer’s Agent that will fit your style.  When interviewing agents, ask questions that pertain to what you are buying.  

Here is an example of what to ask an agent if you are buying a condo:

1. When do we get the covenants to read about the common areas?
2. What will you be looking for in the financials?
3. When will we talk to the neighbors to see if there are any assessments coming?
4. When do we find out if the HOA is considering a price increase in the monthly dues?

As you can see, to find a buyer’s agent that will represent your interests, the agent has to have a timing scheduling of when things happen to protect your interests so that you don’t buy something that you regret later.  

Many buyers attempt to find a buyer’s agent buy simply looking at their personality and sometimes their hygiene habits because they don’t know what to ask a buyer’s agent about the transaction.  That is dangerous if you are protecting your interests.  

Here is the Timeline of how a Transaction should go that will help you in interviewing a buyer’s agent:

1. You learn about the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
2. You learn about the Disclosures the Seller will make to you in writing.
3. You learn about any incentives that you might get as a buyer who is looking and scouting for a property to buy on your own via searching the internet and driving around.
4. You learn how to get the best mortgage from the agent by getting questions to ask the lenders.
5. You learn about hidden inventory that is not on the market yet.
6. You learn about how to rate what you see to keep yourself less confused.
7. You learn about how to write an offer using a formula that has you paying less.
8. You learn about getting a top notch inspector that has the right insurance coverage to cover any damage that they create that you are liable for in the contract.
9. You learn how to get a CLUE report .
10. You learn how about how to ask key questions to key people who can guide you to uncovering any hidden truths about the neighborhood.

There are many more aspects to the transaction that need to be covered but if you know these steps in the Timeline, you can ask pointed questions that let you know if you are dealing with a detailed agent (there are only a few) or a sloppy agent that ultimately will cause you grief in your purchase for many years to come.

Your goal as a buyer is to buy a property that you know what you are buying.  When you find a buyer’s agent that can accomplish that goal, you are protected.  Otherwise, all bets are off.