Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Planning a wedding is a big job. As you may already know, it can be a very trying, yet wonderful experience. Finding a professional is just as important.
The decision to buy a home is one of the most important financial decisions most people make, yet many give little thought to finding the right professionals suited to their needs. Two decisions are most important, finding the right Real Estate agent, and finding the right Loan Officer. You have found the right Loan Officer. Now, let’s help you find the right Real Estate agent.
Imagine you’re in a supermarket by a large barrel of apples with a sign that says Pick One – 6 Cents. Some of the apples are sweet, others are sour, a few are only for cooking and the rest look too green and not quite ready for eating. You think for a second and then reach in and grab the first one that looks good – only to find that it wasn’t exactly what you expected.
For an apple, it may not matter. But that sort of decision making often happens when people choose a real estate agent to help them buy a home. On the surface, all real estate agents seem alike. Most agents charge about the same fee (paid by seller) and most agencies offer similar services. But, in reality, differences can be huge. Consumers who don’t do their homework can wind up getting bad advice that could cost thousands. To pick yourself a top-notch professional, do the following:
The best place to start is by asking friends for referrals. If you’re new to the area, do an informal search of the properties in the neighborhood. If the same name pops up on lots of signs, you’ve probably found someone who specializes in that particular area. This can be a real plus since the agent will probably be well versed in the homes, schools, municipal services, and other important information.
Once you’ve narrowed down the list, make an appointment to meet with the agent in their office…
Here are some questions you can ask to help the process. Remember, no question is a bad question.
10 Questions to Ask A Real Estate Agent
1. How long have you worked in real estate, and how long have you been licensed?
2. Are you a REALTOR®? What professional designations do you have, and what special skill sets do they certify?
3. Do you work alone, or do you have an assistant or support staff to handle different parts of the transaction?
4. How often will we be in touch during the searching and buying process? Can I look at homes without you?
5. What makes you stand out among your peers? Are there past clients who will serve as references for you?
6. If I am not satisfied with your performance, can I terminate our agreement?
7. Will you act as a buyer-broker or do you represent the seller?
8. How will you get paid? May I have that in writing?
9. How many homes have you found for buyers in the past six months?
10. How many other buyers are you currently working with?
Please contact us if you have any questions as we are always here to help!
