How to Choose?
Choosing a real estate agent you can trust makes a world of difference when it comes to buying a house. Here's how to find a real estate agent to ensure your home transaction is smooth and successful.
- Search the internet for local real estate companies to contact.
- Ask for Referrals—Nine times out of ten, someone you know has sold their home and can provide a recommendation for their real estate agent.
- Attend Open Houses—Attending local open houses is a great opportunity to meet real estate agents face-to-face.
- Call real estate companies to compare commission fees, marketing campaigns and yearly sales volume.
- Interview several real estate agents—Don't be afraid to interview several real estate agents. They are competing for your business; this is what makes the real estate industry successful.
Here are a sample list of questions to ask while you are interviewing a real estate agent:
- How many years of real estate experience do you have?
- What is your home buying/selling experience in my community?
- What professional certifications do you hold (ex. Certified Residential Specialist - CRS)?
- What services will you provide for me as my real estate agent?
- How will you represent me as a buyer/seller?
- Can you provide as much information as I need about homes in the area that fit into my price range or comparables if selling my home?
- As far as commissions and fees, can you provide all of the different scenarios with the sale of property (Net Sheet)?
- Explain the paperwork that I need to sign.
- What is my contracted timeframe for using you as my real estate agent?
Once you have chosen an agent, it is important to establish specific goals that you would like to meet. It is very important to communicate clearly with your real estate agent and that, in turn, your real estate agent communicates with you.
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Why use a Real Estate Agent?
- Trusted - Guidance on connecting with a trusted professional with experience in the market
- Discovery - (Buyer) Guidance on finding the home that meets your needs
- Communication - Guidance on multiple offer scenario, process, timeline, contract to closing
- Listing Price - (Seller) Guidance on Comparative Market Analysis, knows market, networks with other agents
- Home Prep - (Seller) Guidance on cleamning, decluttering, improvements, repairs, staging, curb appeal
- Qualified - Guidance on turning “lookers” into buyers and helping buyers get lender approved
- Open Houses & Showings - Guidance on property security, qualifying potential buyers, scheduling times
- Marketing & Advertising - (Seller) Guidance on professional photos, 3D Virtual tour, Internet Advertising, Relocations
- Negotiations - Guidance on best price, inspection and repairs, closing & possession dates
- Legal Issues - Guidance on required documents, civil rights, fair housing laws
- Inspection - Guidance on getting a qualified inspector, successful resolution to a FHA or VA inspection
- Selling Process - Guidance on contingencies: inspections, appraisal, house sale, title, closing costs
- Transactional Paperwork - Guidance on reviewing multiple offers, legal docs, title work and final ALTA/HUD
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