Checklist To Finding The Best Real Estate Agent For You
Looking
for the right agent can be hard to do. They have to fit your
expectations, know your needs and be willing to work countless hours to
find you the right home. There are some questions you might want to keep
in mind when looking for an agent.
- How long have you been in business?
Newer
agents aren't always a bad thing. It really depends on their training
experience. Older agents have a lot more clientele than newer. Leaving
them with little time for you. Newer agents tend to have a lot more time
for you because of their little client base they have formed. But if
you’re looking for knowledge and strength, and older (10+ years) is the
route you might want to take.
-
What is your average List-Price-to-Sales-Price Ratio?
If you're looking at a home that is out of your price range by a couple thousand, a good buyers agent can bring the price down for you significantly and by a reasonable standard. You'll want a buyer’s agent who knows what they're doing when it comes to the financial situations otherwise you'll be stuck and without your dream home.
-
What is the best marketing plan you can create for my needs?
As a buyer you should know the following:
-What goes into the finding of my home?
-How many homes on average am I going to have to look at before I find one that I want?
-If and when I find the home I want, will I be competing with others?
-How do you handle several offers on one home?
-Do you as an agent present the offer or am I involved?
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Could you provide and references from past clients/employees?
References are something that no agent can turn down. They either have past clients that have enjoyed working with them. Or they have employees/bosses that vouch how good of an agent they really are.
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Could you name some things that separate your from your competition?
This answer will be one that an agent won't hesitate to answer. Sure, they have their own idea of morals/standards, but you'll find that most have the same ideas when looking for an agent.
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Do you have documents that I have to sign that I can view beforehand so I know what to do?
Most agents should have documents up for preview that clients can view so they can get a gist of what to expect.
A good agent will walk them through the process before you are required to sign anything.
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Can you help me find other professionals?
At this time let the agent explain to you who he/she works with and why he/she has chosen them. They should be able to provide a mortgage broker, home inspector and a title company to work with.
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How much would you charge?
Agents are to never disclose the percentage they charge. A fee however is always negotiable when choosing your agent. It is to both you and your agents discretion on what is charged.
Above all these; you must chose an agent, whether it be a buyers or sellers, that your are most comfortable with and willing to aide in the process of finding you a home.
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