Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional investments you’ll ever make. In Johnston County, where charming towns, growing communities, and scenic countryside collide, the stakes are even higher. You deserve an advocate who understands your unique needs and has the expertise to guide you home. But how do you find the right buyer’s agent for your journey?
Start with These 10 Must-Ask Questions
1. What Extraordinary Traits Should I Look for in a 5-Star Rated Buyer’s Agent?
It’s always important to ask a potential buyer’s agent if they can provide examples of their 5-star ratings and reviews. Below is an awesome example of a 5-star review provided by a buyer client!
Rachel Leeworthy is kind, compassionate, and the most patient person I have ever known. She advocated for us every step of the way.
– Denise Hamm
Rachel’s story is a perfect example of why choosing a 5-star buyer’s agent matters. A skilled buyer’s agent doesn’t just show homes—they advocate, support, and go above and beyond to make sure your home-buying journey is a success.
A track record of happy clients speaks volumes. Don’t be afraid to:
- Request testimonials or online reviews from past clients.
- Ask for references you can contact directly.
2. Does The RiverWILD Team Offer a Spanish-Speaking Buyer’s Agent?
Si el español es su idioma principal, es importante trabajar con un agente que pueda comunicarse claramente y entender sus necesidades culturales y lingüísticas.
En RiverWILD Real Estate, estamos orgullosos de tener a Carmen D’Amore, una agente de bienes raíces que habla español y que tiene experiencia ayudando a compradores de habla hispana en el Condado de Johnston y sus alrededores.
Carmen puede ayudarle con:
- Explicaciones detalladas del proceso de compra de vivienda en su idioma.
- Conexiones con prestamistas y otros profesionales que también hablan español.
- Respuestas claras a cualquier pregunta sobre documentos, negociaciones y trámites.
Trabajar con alguien que entiende su idioma y su comunidad puede hacer una gran diferencia en su experiencia de compra de vivienda. ¡Carmen está aquí para ayudarle!
Si estás buscando un REALTOR® que hable español, Carmen D’Amore es la mejor opción. Es atenta, conocedora y confiable. Hace que el proceso de compra de una casa sea lo más sencillo posible.
Natalie
3. What is your experience in the Johnston County area?
Your agent should be a local expert. They should know about schools, commuting patterns, and the hidden gems of the region.
- Ask how many buyers they’ve helped purchase homes in Johnston County.
- Find out which neighborhoods or towns they specialize in (e.g., Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, Wendell, or Zebulon).
- How many buyers have you served that relocated to Clayton and the greater Johnston County area?
- Ask if they possess a thorough knowledge of the Johnston County real estate market?
Dakota Hogan has been a great resource. I cannot recommend Dakota enough to anyone looking to buy or sell their home.
Kayla McSwain
4. Are you an expert in new construction?
If you’re considering a new construction home, your agent’s expertise in this area can make a big difference.
- Ask if they’ve worked with local Johnston County builders before.
- Inquire about how they can assist with information for builder incentives, negotiating upgrades, navigating builder contracts, and conducting walkthroughs.
5. How will you communicate with me?
Communication can make or break your experience. Ask:
- How often will we touch base?
- What’s the best way to reach you (text, email, phone)?
- Will you provide updates, even if nothing new is happening?
Megan Bland was amazing. She was always prompt with communication and dealt with issues quickly. She really knows what she’s doing. Definitely recommend.
Louis Brady
6. Can you walk me through the home-buying process?
A great agent will not only have a plan but also share it in a way that makes you feel confident. Look for:
- A step-by-step outline of what to expect, from pre-approval to closing day.
- Examples of how they’ve handled unique challenges for other clients.
- Are you a creative problem solver?
We can’t recommend Julie Jordan highly enough. She expertly guided us through the process of selling our previous home and buying our new one. During the six months it took for our new house to be built, she went above and beyond every step of the way to make sure we were well-informed and satisfied with the outcome.
Logan and Margeaux
7. How do you advocate for buyers during negotiations?
Strong negotiating skills are a must. Dig into specifics:
- How do you handle competing offers?
- What strategies do you use to get buyers the best deal?
- Can you share an example of a successful negotiation you’ve led?
We couldn’t have asked for a better real estate agent, and wholeheartedly recommend Stephanie Leonard to anyone looking for exceptional skill, support and kindness.
Melissa Whalen
8. What resources do you offer for first-time homebuyers (or other needs)?
Ask what tools and support they provide to make the process smoother:
- Do they have a track record of successfully helping first-time homebuyers?
- Are they familiar with buyer programs or incentives that might save you money?
Great agents are also resourceful and surround themselves with trusted, highly rated vendor partners. Ask about:
- Home inspectors, attorneys, and lenders they recommend.
- Experts who can help you maintain your home after closing, like contractors, landscapers, or HVAC technicians.
- Help identify any builder incentives that could save you money.
Lacey McGee was the absolute best REALTOR® we have worked with in all of our home sales and purchases! She is thorough, knowledgeable, caring, detail oriented and all around helpful in all aspects of purchasing a home! We adore her and highly recommend her!
Ben and Wendy Seekins
9. What Are the Best Neighborhoods for My Needs?
Every buyer has different needs, and a great buyer’s agent will ask what’s important to you. Is it close proximity to work, to schools and what lifestyle preferences you have. A knowledgeable buyer’s agent will help you identify the best neighborhoods that fit your criteria and your budget.
When you tour a potential neighborhood, it is recommended you and your agent:
- Tour the community when it rains to see how storm water is managed in the community and on the homesite you are buying.
- Tour the community and listen carefully for traffic noise, barking dogs and other distracting noises (from a nearby airport).
- Tour the home to see which direction it faces. This could have implications for the speed mold grows on the north end of the home.
- Is the home located in a community managed by an homeowners association (HOA). Did you know newer communities with 20 or more homes must have an HOA?
10. What Costs Should I Be Prepared For?
Beyond the home’s purchase price, there are additional costs to consider. Be sure to ask your buyer’s agent to identify these costs:
- closing costs
- inspections
- homeowner’s insurance
A great agent will provide a clear breakdown of these expenses so you’re not caught off guard. Johnston County real estate agents like our RiverWILD Real Estate REALTORS® have relationships with several local lenders and they will help you estimate these costs.
A Johnston County Buyer’s Agent Should Feel Like Your Partner
The right buyer’s agent is more than a real estate professional—they’re your advocate, your guide, and sometimes even your therapist during the home-buying journey! They should make you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
What Questions Would You Ask?
At RiverWILD Real Estate, we believe every buyer deserves an agent who truly understands their needs and their community. That’s why we love getting to know our clients and answering their most important questions.
What questions would you ask your potential buyer’s agent? Drop a comment below or reach out to us to schedule a no-pressure consultation. Let’s find your new Johnston County home together.