Samhita had just come to Bangalore city on a job transfer. She was staying at the company guest house but was on the lookout for a home close to the office. She hired the services of a broker to help her find the dream home. But no amount of explaining ensured that the broker understood her requirements. She was constantly shown a number of homes that just did not meet her criteria.Having had enough, she asked him to leave and approached another broker. However, the first began to harass her for payment for “wasting his time and effort”.When she refused, a nexus between brokers in the area saw that no broker was willing to help her find a home. Samhita continues to stay at the company guest house and is now asking only friends and colleagues for help.Broker problems are common in the city, just like in any other state. The fact that we do not have a law in place to govern the activities of these brokers makes it a difficult proposition for the end consumer. If you are looking for a broker, here are some tips on how to find a good one.

1. Ask for recommendations

Friends and family are the most reliable when it comes to recommendations for brokers. Many families have a trusted person they approach each time someone is looking for a place. If you are like Samhita, then asking a colleague for such recommendations is a good place to begin with.

2.Never settle for the first broker you see

Meet a few recommended brokers in the area and let them know what your requirements are. Speak with each one of them on the kind of homes in the area for the budget you have.See how comfortable you are with the broker because you will be sharing financial information with him and it has to be treated sensitively.

3. Assess the approach of your broker

While it is good to have a broker who is on his toes, those who seem unnaturally busy at all times may simply be putting up a show for your benefit. Assess the kind of homes you are being shown to see if he has clearly understood your requirements.

4. Never hesitate to ask your broker questions

Quiz your broker on what sets him apart from others in the area. Talk to him about the neighbourhood and assess his knowledge of the same. You may always walk around the neighbourhood to verify his claims.A good broker will give you both the pros and cons of the area. Check if being a broker is a full time job for him, if so, he is more likely to be serious about it than a part-timer.

4.Ask for references

It is a good idea to ask your broker for 3 references, not more than a year old, of people that have successfully found homes through him. Speak to these people to understand their experience of working with him.With a good broker on hand, half of the hard work is taken care of. Once the deal goes well, do not hesitate to recommend the broker to others. It is always good to pass on the goodwill.