Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

Not all real estate agents, Realtors and brokers are alike. It’s wise to shop around and find the real estate team that’s right for you. First stop to think about the qualities that you need in a real estate agent to effectively sell your home. Your list may read like this:

Listens to my needs. You want a real estate professional who listens more than talks. Your agent needs to hear what’s important to you, and keep your priorities above his or her own at all times.

Works hard and is not lazy. It sounds basic, but there people out there who are not willing to work as hard for you for whatever reason. You need someone at the top of their game, someone at the peak of their career who is ready to get out there and do whatever it takes to get your home sold in a timely manner and for the right price.

Answers my calls. When you’re selling your home, nothing is worse than getting voicemail even 50% of the time. You need a real estate professional who is available for you when you need him or her. You need someone you can reach immediately when necessary.

Positive Attitude. Want to sell your home quickly, for more than you expected? Find a Realtor with a good attitude. A negative, moody or depressed agent frankly will not have the confidence necessary to sell your home effectively in any market conditions.

Knowledgeable. Your Realtor needs to be knowledgeable about the legalities of real estate, the marketplace and about your area.

Successful. The best real estate agents are successful agents. You should be able to tell they are successful when you meet with them. They should have an excellent track record and sound references to prove it. An unsuccessful agent is that way for a reason, don’t find out why.

Confident & Assertive. When it comes to selling your home, you need someone who is confident and assertive. Confident, because they need to know exactly what they are doing, and assertive because they have to take an assertive stance in the negotiation process. You want someone on your side who knows how to take a stand.

Ethical. You want an ethical real estate agent who you can trust. Not only will he or she show up where expected, but will show up on time. Your Realtor must have an outstanding reputation and perform his or her job with high moral clarity.

Markets your home by many different means. Sometimes all that’s needed

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Real Estate Agent-Realtor – How To Find One

Whether you are buying or selling a home or property, you will likely want to work with a realtor. How can you find a real estate agent to assist you? Here are some suggestions:

Word of Mouth

Personal referrals are a great way to find a realtor. Ask friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers if they know someone. Be sure to ask if they have dealt with this individual personally. You will want to find out the following information:

Was the agent courteous and professional?

Was he or she a good listener?

Did the agent attend meetings and open houses on time?

Contact a Real Estate Broker

If you are unable to find a real estate agent through personal referrals, contact a real estate broker and explain your needs: Are you looking to buy or sell? What style of home are you looking for and in what price range? Would you like to live in the city or are you interested in rural properties? Do you want to purchase a building lot, a farm, or a multi-family building? Based on this information, the broker should be able to recommend someone in his or her office who has experience with the type of home or property you are interested in.

Check Out Local Signs

Make note of the agents who are working – and selling – in your neighborhood (if you are selling) or in the neighborhood you are interested in moving to (if you are a buyer). You will want to work with someone who is able to deliver results.

Visit Open Houses

One way to meet a real estate agent is to attend an open house he or she is holding. You will be able to get an impression of this person’s working style and start to consider whether this is someone you could work with for your own purchase or sale.

Find an Agent Online

A number of online directories provide listings for real estate agents. In addition to the agent’s name and contact information, you may find a statement about the person’s areas of specialization. A link to the realtor’s web site will likely be provided. This gives the potential client an opportunity to get an idea of how the realtor markets his or her listed properties.

Interview Potential Real Estate Agents

Once you have found some potential real estate agents, it’s a good idea to meet with each one separately and interview them. Buying or selling a home is likely the most expensive transaction the average person will ever be involved in and it’s important to find the right real estate agent.

Start off the meeting by asking the agent to tell you a bit about his or her experience in the field. Then take some time to tell the agent what your plans are for selling your property or what you are looking for if you are a buyer.

Sellers will also want to find out exactly how the real estate agent will market their home. The interview stage is the time to find out what percentage the real estate agent charges as a commission.

Use these suggestions to help you find the right real estate agent to fit your needs. Do take the time you need to find someone who you will be able to work with effectively.

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