15 Steps to Homeownership: 7.

Course Title: The Power of Ownership™: Easy Steps to Smart Homebuying

STEP 7: Selecting a Trusted Realtor

1. COURSE OVERVIEW

Selecting a trusted realtor is one of the most strategic moves a homebuyer can make. In the homebuying process, your realtor isn’t just a tour guide—they’re your advocate, negotiator, educator, and first line of defense. Step 7 of The Power of Ownership™ equips participants with the wisdom and discernment to choose the right real estate professional, ensuring a smooth, informed, and empowered journey from search to closing.

This module dives deep into the responsibilities of a buyer’s agent, the ethical and legal duties they owe you, and how to interview and evaluate agents effectively. Participants will learn how to align with an agent who respects their budget, understands their goals, and communicates with integrity. It also covers the difference between listing agents, dual agency, and the buyer representation agreement.

With the right agent by your side, homeownership becomes not just possible, but manageable—and even enjoyable. This step transforms passive buyers into active decision-makers, equipped to build a powerful team for their purchase.

1. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this step, participants will:

• Understand the role and legal duties of a buyer’s agent.
• Identify the qualities and qualifications of a great realtor.
• Learn how to find, interview, and evaluate potential agents.
• Understand what to include (and exclude) in a buyer representation agreement.
• Recognize the risks of dual agency and the difference between buyer and seller interests.
• Know how to establish a productive, accountable relationship with their agent.

III. SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION

Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) – “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

The journey to homeownership involves many decisions—and none should be made in isolation. A trusted advisor brings not only experience but protection, strategy, and counsel. A great agent is one of the wise counselors that ensures your investment is safe and successful.

1. INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

“Your realtor is not just opening doors—they’re opening opportunities. Choose one who opens the right ones.” — Coach Greb

1. WHY THE RIGHT REALTOR MATTERS

Many buyers make the mistake of thinking all real estate agents are the same. They’re not. Just as you wouldn’t trust any stranger to manage your money or negotiate your business contracts, you shouldn’t trust just anyone to guide your largest purchase.

The right realtor:

• Advocates for you, not the seller
• Negotiates price, repairs, and terms on your behalf
• Helps you interpret listings, disclosures, and contracts
• Coordinates with inspectors, lenders, and attorneys
• Provides neighborhood and property insight
• Protects your interest throughout the transaction

An ineffective or untrustworthy realtor can cost you money, delay your closing, or worse—lead you into a bad deal.

1. TYPES OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS
2. Buyer’s Agent

• Represents you, the buyer
• Owes fiduciary duties: loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure
• Negotiates the best deal in your interest
• Is typically paid by the seller’s commission

2. Seller’s Agent (Listing Agent)

• Represents the seller
• Works to get the highest price for the seller
• May not disclose information that benefits the buyer

3. Dual Agent

• Represents both buyer and seller (in some states)
• Creates potential conflicts of interest
• May not fully advocate for either party

Recommendation: Always work with a dedicated buyer’s agent, not a dual agent.

VII. QUALITIES OF A GREAT REALTOR

Not all agents bring the same value. Look for:

• Experience – Especially with first-time buyers
• Market Knowledge – Local insight and data access
• Communication – Prompt, clear, and responsive
• Integrity – Honest about pros and cons
• Availability – Works full-time and prioritizes your search
• Track Record – Verified reviews and successful closings

Avoid agents who:

• Push you beyond your budget
• Dismiss your concerns
• Avoid paperwork or gloss over contract terms
• Represent both sides without clear disclosure

VIII. INTERVIEWING POTENTIAL AGENTS

Prepare to interview at least 2–3 agents before committing. Ask:

1. How long have you worked with first-time homebuyers?
2. Do you specialize in the neighborhoods I’m considering?
3. Can you explain how you get paid and any out-of-pocket costs I may face?
4. What’s your availability during weekdays and weekends?
5. How do you handle bidding wars or inspection negotiations?
6. Will I be working directly with you or with a team member?

Listen not only to their answers but their tone, transparency, and willingness to educate you.

1. THE BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT

This document outlines the working relationship between you and your agent. It often includes:

• The term (length) of the agreement
• The agent’s duties and your responsibilities
• Any limitations on geography or price range
• Whether dual agency is permitted
• Whether the agent gets paid even if you buy without them

Before signing:

• Ask for a trial period or early termination clause
• Clarify how to exit if expectations aren’t met
• Ensure it aligns with your buying timeline and preferences

1. RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR

Be cautious of agents who:

• Refuse to put things in writing
• Pressure you to waive inspections or contingencies
• Claim a listing will be gone in hours without proof
• Have limited availability or don’t return messages
• Are vague about process, commission, or disclosures

Trust your gut. An agent should inform and empower, not manipulate or pressure.

1. CASE STUDY: Carlos and Briana Find Their Guide

Carlos and Briana were newly married and eager to buy. A family friend referred them to a part-time agent who worked weekends. But he missed key deadlines, failed to spot red flags in a listing, and didn’t show up for the appraisal.

They ended the relationship and interviewed three full-time agents. One stood out: she listened to their goals, mapped out a timeline, and had extensive experience with first-time buyers. She negotiated $9,000 off asking price and secured closing cost credits from the seller.

Lesson: Loyalty in real estate must be earned, not assumed. Choose based on skill and service, not familiarity.

XII. DO’S AND DON’TS

✅ DO:

• Interview multiple agents before committing
• Ask for references from recent buyers
• Read all agreements before signing
• Choose an agent aligned with your goals, not theirs

❌ DON’T:

• Choose an agent just because they’re a friend or relative
• Accept dual agency without understanding the risks
• Let your agent rush your decision
• Work with someone who won’t explain or educate

XIII. PRACTICE EXERCISES

1. Agent Interview Tracker

2. Representation Agreement Review

• Read a sample agreement
• Highlight terms you don’t understand
• Write down questions to ask before signing

3. Realtor Rating Rubric Rate your top 3 agent candidates based on:

• Listening Skills
• Clarity of Communication
• First-Time Buyer Experience
• Availability
• Professionalism

4. Faith Reflection Prompt

• Am I inviting God’s guidance in choosing my real estate partners?
• How will I discern character and competence in my agent?

XIV. TEACHER’S MANUAL SNAPSHOT

Session Goals:

• Emphasize importance of choosing a realtor with character and competence
• Teach students how to conduct structured interviews and evaluate agreements
• Build confidence in advocating for their homebuying needs

Suggested Materials:

• Sample representation agreement
• Realtor interview scripts
• Video example of good vs. poor agent behavior

Activities:

• Mock interviews with class peers
• Group discussion: identifying red flags
• Analyze online reviews and bios of 3 realtors

1. PARTICIPANT GUIDE SUMMARY

What’s Included:

• Interview and agent selection checklist
• Buyer agreement guide
• Agent communication log

Weekly Assignments:

• Interview two local buyer agents
• Review a sample representation agreement
• Journal your expectations and boundaries for an agent

XVI. CONCLUSION

Your realtor can open the door to your dream—or lead you down a path of frustration and missed opportunity. Choosing a trusted realtor isn’t just a transaction—it’s a partnership rooted in trust, communication, and aligned purpose. As you seek to buy wisely, make sure your guide is worthy of the journey.

Scripture Reminder: “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.” — Proverbs 20:18 (NIV)

Homebuying is one of the biggest “battles” you’ll fight financially. Go into it with wise counsel, strong representation, and spirit-led discernment.

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