A relationship between you and your real estate agent is like any other. Sometimes it takes a little TLC on both ends. It’s important to remember that your real estate agent is working on your behalf. They may be making a commission off your transaction, but they want to do a good job for you. Not only do they have time invested in finding you a home, they also hope you’ll hire them in the future and refer those you know to them. Real estate agents should always keep your best interests and your personal goals in mind, but remember that the relationship is a two-way street.

Here are 5 things you can do to maintain a good relationship with your real estate agent:

  1. Remember that your real estate agent may have information you don’t. When you go online to look for a home, there are times that home may not be available anymore. Real estate agents have access to Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data that you don’t. It’s great to look online, but don’t bombard your agent. There is a lot of information about homes that you will not have access to. Hire an agent you trust and relinquish some control to let them help you find homes that best suit your preferences and needs.
  2. Don’t accuse your agent of sabotage. Granted, there are some people who may take advantage of you in a business situation, so it’s very natural to be suspicious of someone who is making a commission off your transaction. However, most agents live by a Realtor’s Code of Ethicsand strive to maintain professionalism. They don’t have the ability to forsee all problems with the transaction such as the things a home inspector might find. If you don’t trust your agent for any reason, find a new one.
  3. Don’t demand to only see homes after hours and on weekends. Most real estate agents work the same hours you do. There may be special circumstances that cause you to only be able to view a home at a certain time, and that’s okay every once in a while. Your agent has a choice, too. Banks, attorneys, brokers are all closed on the weekends. Make sure you openly communicate with your agent about the best times for you to view properties. While a good agent is generally flexible, you may also have to rearrange your schedule a bit.
  4. Don’t automatically think you can get a much better deal than the agent can. It’s highly likely that your real estate agent has a better handle on the market than you do, despite the research you’ve done. Your agent lives with the market every day – some of them have years of experience – so trust them to know their stuff. If you continually make low ball offers that have no chance of being accepted on multiple properties, be assured that your relationship with your agent may be strained.
  5. Don’t work with more than one real estate agent. Sure, shop around and find an agent you like and trust. However, don’t get to a point with an agent where you’ve consulted with them, toured numerous homes and afterward say, “We’ll give you a call. We have an appointment next week with our other agent.” If you don’t like your agent, fire them and find a new one, but don’t work with more than one agent in the same market. Keep in mind that if you only give 50% of your loyalty, you’ll only receive 50% back.
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