An agent who is looking out for you will tell you things you do not want to hear, explain the trade-offs before you sign, and put their way of working in writing. If your agent only ever says yes, never slows you down, and cannot explain how they get paid, that is a signal.
Four things I would look for. One, they ask about your budget comfort, not just your approval. Two, they point out problems at showings instead of waiting for the inspector. Three, they explain each contingency and what you give up by removing it. Four, they walk you through the buyer agreement and their compensation before you tour.
Since mid-2024, buyers across most of the country, Iowa included, sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. That is a good thing. You get to read exactly what your agent will do and what it costs before you start. Ask questions and do not sign anything you do not understand.
The trade-off is comfort versus clarity. A people-pleasing agent feels good in the moment. An advisor sometimes makes the moment uncomfortable so the decision is clear. I advise, I do not simply accommodate. You always make the final call, and you should always understand why.
What I typically see in Johnston is that buyers who end up with regrets did not lack options. They lacked someone who would slow them down for five minutes and say, let’s talk through what this actually means.
As one example, a buyer wants to waive the inspection to win a Johnston house. A yes-agent just writes it. An advisor asks the question I ask before every offer: if this goes sideways in the worst reasonable way, are you still okay with this decision? Sometimes the answer is yes. The point is that you answered it on purpose.
My Buyer Working Relationship Standard puts my commitments to you in writing. When you want to talk it through, grab a time that works.
Related Resources: Is a Finished Basement Worth Paying More For in Johnston? and Is a Home Warranty Worth It for a First-Time Buyer in Johnston?.
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Written by Jason Huffey, REALTOR with RE/MAX Revolution (License S73436000), serving Johnston and the greater Des Moines metro. Call or text (515) 606-1227. The Best Is Yet To Come.
