AND WHAT NOT TO EXPECT...

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and just as you can expect too much from a romantic relationship, so too can you expect too much from your buyer's representative.

Don't expect your buyer's rep to set up showings at the drop of a hat. Showings have to be coordinated with several busy schedules - yours, hers, and the sellers - so unless the house is vacant, allow 24 hours or so to set up showings. (If the house is tenant-occupied, 24 hours is minimum notice for them).

I've seen buyers, particularly those visiting from out of town, demand fulltime, non-stop attention their buyer's reps. That you want to maximize your time in town is understandable, but to expect a buyer's rep to be your fulltime chauffeur and tour guide is another. Do you really want to work with a rep with so much time on her hands that she has nothing else to do but cater to you?

Don't expect your buyer's rep to read your mind. A good buyer's rep will seek out your reaction to the homes you're seeing. Be straightforward and forthcoming in your response. If there's an aspect of her service you're not happy with, tell her. If things don't change, let her know you're making a switch.

Buyers should demand loyalty from their representatives, but they should return the favor. No sneaking around behind your rep's back, seeing houses with listing Realtors and making offers on For Sale By Owner. Your buyer's rep will be happy for you to expand your market awareness by attending open houses, but do let the Realtor hosting the open know that you've already got a Realtor. Talk with your buyer's rep about a strategy for viewing homes that are offered for sale by owner (FSBO).

There is no perfect house. If she's worthy of her license, your buyer's rep will help you find the best possible house for your wants and needs, given your budget and timeframe. But don't expect perfection. In houses, as most everything else in life, it doesn't exist.