Skip to main content

Real Estate Agents Grow on Trees



Real estate agents seem to grow on trees. Everyone can list off a few agents from their cousin to the “nice lady” they talk to at the local coffee shop. But choosing the right agent is a critical element to having a successful transaction. Experience and expertise vary widely from agent to agent, so how can you choose the right person for your needs?


  • Ask for Referrals – Yes, everyone knows an agent, but asking someone with a recent transaction is the best way to find a good agent.
  • Do Your Research – Fortunately the Internet makes it very easy to do some research. Check local sites like Yelp or Next Door, move around their website and call their referrals.
  • Interview Several Options – Make them earn your business. Conduct a real interview with several agents and see who best fits your style.
  • Ask the Right Questions – The agents should be able to discuss their marketing plan for a home sale and offer their process for home buyers, including lenders, home inspectors and escrow.

    Remember that the right agent is not always the one who tells you what you want to hear. Listen carefully for how they answer your questions. Make sure you can work with them and have an “opt out” clause in any contract, just in case.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

3 Questions to ask before buying your first home

3 Questions to ask before buying your first home The real estate market is constantly changing, so of course DO YOUR RESEARCH! DO NOT jump the gun on this one! Unbiased advice from family and peers may be kind, but you are the only one who knows what your needs are when it comes to buying a home. WHAT MADE YOU CONSIDER OWNING A HOME? Forget finances for a minute and focus on what made you consider even buying a home in the first place! ·      Is your family expanding? ·      Does your family feel safe? ·      Is there a STELLAR school system in the area so your children can get the education they deserve? ·      How about that unbearable landlord? WHICH WAY IS THE REAL ESTATE MARKET GOING? DON’T SLEEP ON YOUR DECISION TOO LONG! Home prices are on the rise! Not only are they on their way back up, but these increases are happening monthly. ...

Don't replace your agent with the Internet!

With the influx of new technology and web based solutions, it isn't a surprise that everything is moving fast into the era of the internet. From sites like Uber to Grubhub, we generally can pull up our phones or laptops to order what we want with ease. And with every industry being revolutionized by technology, the same methods are "attempting" to be applied to the real estate industry.  We could all agree that the simplification of the process through paperwork would be much appreciated by agents and buyers/sellers alike; but the attempt of replacing the agent by sites like Zillow and other third party resources, can lead to a snowball affect of disaster. Think about real estate being smack dab in the middle of fast food and a doctor. You can use your mobile device to quickly place your order for a $20 meal, but when it comes to getting a surgery, you'll want to put that phone down and visit a professional. Now think of your real estate agent being in the mi...
Debunking Real Estate Myths Finally ready to make the transition into home ownership? That's awesome, and in this exciting time you can be turning to friends and family for an insight into the process. However, there seems to be a circulation of misinformation spreading around, so we're here to clear up a few myths.  1. THE FIRST STEP IS SEARCHING FOR A HOME You know the saying, "Don't put the cart before the horse," well that's important to remember when it comes to buying a home. You don't want to start looking for a house until you have gotten to sit down with a lender and discuss what the bank will qualify you for. If you fall in love with a house that's $250,000 and come to find out you're only qualified for $200,000 you can get your hopes crushed and waste a lot of time. Don't start the process on the wrong foot and make sure the numbers line up. 2. YOU DON'T NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT For starts, when buying a hom...