Most people go by referrals from either family or friends. Always ask those people what they liked most and see if it follows what is important to you. Some people use friends and family members to help them with their real estate needs; however that too may or may not always be in your best interest. For most people buying a home, it is the single biggest purchase they will ever make. Just as you need to look for a doctor that you can trust, who is knowledgeable with expertise regarding your specific ailment, and fits your needs as far as bedside matter, the same holds true for picking an agent. It is just as important to have a guideline for picking an agent for your financial health, as you do with a doctor for your physical health. A good agent who will help you with your financial health and wellbeing for now as well as the future gains you can make, so that you are set for your retirement with the help of your real estate portfolio.
Let’s take a fresh look with our eyes, ears, and the written word. The world has become an internet marketplace where everything we find and look for is somewhere on a website. Many agents know this and have spent a lot of money to make their sites incredible. However, do not be fooled by this or use that as your only criteria. Agents usually hire someone else to make their personal website look incredible but who may have possibly used other website ideas and/or information that was not solely the work of that particular agent. Although this is a good way to start a search for an agent, there are many other choices to consider and I believe important factors in choosing the right agent for you
You want to look for a real estate agent who is a professional with experience, innovative in their marketing and has proven negotiating skills. It should be someone who is always gaining continued knowledge in their field and yet someone who is flexible and can execute all of your requests and follow through with whatever you decide. They need to be good listeners so that they are aware and are precise in your requests so that your needs, wants, desires and the features and benefits you want are completely understood. Their team should be people dedicated to their career and as serious about what they do, as a heart attack. They should have a team that does not have to be best friends, just amazing at what they provide. The agents active and solid team behind them should be people who will go above and beyond for you the client, the quarterback so to speak; not a dictator. The team should also include having a list of trusted vendors, several in each area so that you can have a choice, and that those on their list can and are able to quickly and successfully attend to any issues the property may need to have addressed. Whether it is to lease, buy or sell to you, their goal should be to make your transaction an easy, enjoyable and a complete success where everyone feels it has been a win win. It should be a team that truly is devoted to what your needs and requests are, and that they display that they truly care and without a doubt can deliver their promises.
You want an agent that does not write a loose contract, but conveys everything you want and need, plus assures that you are made completely aware of what the contract means. You want someone who will take the time and effort to educate you in a way that you understand the contracts, as well as for them to understand you. Remember there should and are No stupid questions when it comes to real estate. You want to understand the language and the meaning of the words that are so often used in real estate, but that you may not understand in everyday language. They should want you to understand everything completely! You should always feel comfortable to express and communicate your feelings and ideas.
Since purchasing or selling can often send even the most sophisticated people into a frenzy of fear or what ifs; having an agent who takes the time to educate you in knowing the process of a transaction is important and makes for feeling much more secure. The agent should be able to explain in length, if need be, what is the process is from before a property gets listed, through the marketing process, to reviewing the offers, and also what it takes on the journey to have a successful close of escrow.
Knowing how available your agent can be for you is something you also will want to discuss. Successful agents usually have several transactions going on at one time. Being able to reach your agent is also important to discuss. Each agent should be able to let you know how and when they will be available if you need them is truly an important issue. Most agents can give you a timeline of how they work and how often they return calls as well as having someone on their team who can reach them when it is imperative for you to speak to them. Knowing also if they will be available for inspections, or if part of their team will be meeting you for those special days really is import to be discussed as well as the final closing of the transaction and receiving keys. Keeping you on task and informed of what has transpired during the transaction of either a listing or going through the sale process is important and whether updates will be daily, weekly or when they will be. Letting you know what is expected of you from the beginning from qualifying with a lender and what is needed to do so, to knowing when to contact your new utilities in advance is something that really helps you the client with a smooth transaction as well as helping you with a list of contacting previous people, vendors, or subscriptions to be made aware that there will be changes with regards to moving and a forwarding address. These are a few of the things that prove you are working with someone who works over and above what is expected and an agent who you would want and feel comfortable to refer to those you care about.
Remember ask any questions that you feel fit – the agents are working for you; you make the decisions with their educated guidance; however it is not a debate but when you pick a professional, you have to be able to completely trust in their services.
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