Buyer Resource Center › Choosing the Right Representation › Your First Meeting with a Buyer's Agent
Your first meeting with a buyer's agent sets the tone for your whole home search. It's a chance to share your goals, understand the market, and decide whether you're a good fit for each other. It can happen in person, over coffee, or on a video call. Here's what to bring and the six topics every first meeting should cover.
What to Bring
You don't need everything figured out. Bring what you have, and we'll fill in the rest together.
Your Goals and Timeline
When you'd like to move, and anything driving that date, like PCS orders, a lease, or a separation date.
Your Budget
A pre-approval if you have one, or your comfortable monthly payment if you don't yet.
Your Must Haves
A rough list of needs, wants, and deal breakers.
Areas You're Considering
Neighborhoods, school districts, or commute limits that matter to you.
Your VA Details
Whether you've used your VA benefit before and if you have a disability rating, which can affect fees.
Your Questions
Anything you're unsure about. No question is too basic.
6 Topics to Cover
Current Market Conditions
Your agent should explain what's happening in the areas and price range you're considering, including inventory, competition, and what homes are actually selling for.
The Services You'll Receive
Ask how your agent will help with your search, offers, negotiation, inspections, appraisal, and closing. You should leave knowing exactly what to expect.
Your Needs and Wants
Talk through home style, bedrooms and bathrooms, layout, outdoor space, commute, and neighborhood amenities. Be ready to rank priorities, since most buyers make some trade offs.
The Buyer Agreement
Your agent will explain the written buyer agreement, which sets out services, compensation, and how long you'll work together. It's required before touring homes.
Working With Other Agents
Once you've chosen an agent, let other agents know, including at open houses. And avoid sharing details about your budget or motivation with listing agents, since that can weaken your negotiating position.
Compensation
Talk openly about how your agent is paid. Compensation is negotiable, isn't set by law, and is usually paid at closing. Your agent should explain the options, including when a seller may cover it.
The bottom line: A good first meeting leaves you with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and confidence that your agent understands your goals. Come with what you know, ask every question you have, and make sure you feel comfortable. I'd love to sit down with you, in person or by video.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first meeting with a buyer's agent?
Your goals and timeline, budget or pre-approval, must haves, preferred areas, any VA loan details, and your questions.
How long does a first meeting with a buyer's agent take?
Usually about an hour. It can be in person, by phone, or on a video call.
Do I need to be pre-approved before meeting an agent?
It helps, but it's not required. Many agents can introduce you to VA experienced lenders to get the process started.
Will I sign a buyer agreement at the first meeting?
Often, yes, since a written agreement is required before touring homes. Your agent will walk you through it, and you should only sign when you're comfortable.
What should I tell other agents once I have a buyer's agent?
Let them know you're working with an agent. At open houses, avoid sharing your budget, timeline, or how much you like the home.
Can I meet my agent virtually if I'm relocating?
Yes. Video meetings work well for military families who are PCSing or deployed, and much of the buying process can be handled remotely.
Keep Reading
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Buyer's Rep
Interview questions to find the right agent for you.
Read more ›5 Reasons to Sign with a Buyer's Agent
How a written buyer agreement protects you.
Read more ›5 Factors to Help Define Your Ideal Home
Get clear on what you really need before you start touring.
Read more ›
Meet Your Veteran Realtor
Troy Doty, Principal Broker
Troy Doty is a Principal Broker with Northwest Realty Source in Portland, with 25 years in real estate and over 1,000 homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran, Troy has a true passion for helping Portland veterans and active duty military families buy and sell homes, whether you're PCSing in, transitioning out, buying your first home, investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, or right sizing later in life.
Schedule a Call or Video Meeting ➜ More About Troy ➜ Free Veteran Buyer E-BookPrefer to call or email? 503.997.4169 · troy@nwrealtysource.com
Troy Doty, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Source. Licensed in Oregon and Washington. ABR®, MRP, and SRES® are credentials of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. CIAS™ is a designation of U.S. Realty Training. Content adapted in part from ABR® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
