Real Estate – Choosing Your Agent
If you believe the real estate game is simply a matter of checking out open houses, or adding a sale sign to your front landscaping, you’ve got another thing coming. In order to properly buy or sell a property, most cases require the assistance of a trained real estate professional.
In general the process of buying or selling a home is quite complex. The decision is not only time consuming,
but stressful, and a huge financial matter. With so much on the table, many people find it best to entrust the responsibility to someone who knows what they’re doing. In this article, we will provide tips for finding your ideal agent.
• Call up a few different agencies around town for a phone interview. Find out what their specific qualifications are, as well as their overall experience level. Are they competent? Do they have any current complaints that have been filed against them? Are they easy to get along with? All of these aspects can play a huge role in the decision-making process.
• Is the agent familiar with the neighbor hood you’re dealing with? What about their experience in the housing market you’re looking to buy or sell in? Those who have had past experience dealing with neighborhoods you are interested in, will have a much better idea of how to run things, price-wise. In cases where you are the selling entity, your agent will be best able to set a price that is appealing for the area you’re located in.
• Be aware that agents have access to MLS, or Multiple Listing Service which inventories sale properties according to the region in which they are located. This helps agents to access pricing as well as direct buyers to properties within their price range. They will also be able to look up information pertaining to schools, shopping, and nearby highways.
• As your agent will be working closely with you on the property, you want someone you can stand to be around. Be sure they are professional, but friendly at the same time. They should not be pushy, but rather helpful in assisting you with your decision. Make sure to keep communication open, and that each of your phone calls are returned in a timely manner. You are paying your agent to help you, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If you find that the service you are receiving is unsatisfactory, then don’t hesitate to dismiss the agent and find someone who is invested in the relationship.
