The relationship you have with your real estate agent can set the tone for the entire home buying process. Your agent is supposed to help you find a property you can afford and work with the seller to negotiate the details of the purchase. But problems could arise if you're on different wavelengths.
If you want everything to run smoothly, here are five bad habits to steer clear of.
1. Being too nitpicky
Buying a home is a big financial commitment. And even if you want to get the best possible deal, you'll need to pick your battles. If you're trying to force the seller to agree to a minor contingency, you could lose sight of the big picture. And you could eventually lose the home you want altogether if the seller decides to find a buyer who's less difficult to work with.
2. Not keeping an open mind
When you meet with an agent for the first time, they're going to want to know what you're looking for in a home. They'll use the feedback you give them to scout properties you might like and arrange for you to view them in person.
Ultimately, you can only buy one home. But that doesn't mean you should dismiss properties at first glance just because they're not perfect. If you''re overly critical of your agent's choices or you refuse to look at the properties that don't measure up, you could both end up frustrated.