Working With Your Agent
Selecting the right real estate professional to help you buy or sell
your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible
experience, you should consider an agent's experience, personality and
responsiveness in your overall evaluations.
Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your agent.
How to choose an agent
| 1. | When it comes to choosing a real estate agent,
consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and
experience a smooth financial and physical transition. So don't slack
off - decide what is most important to you, and then find an agent who
specializes in that field. Does location matter most? Do you need a
townhouse with a garage? A four-bedroom home? A condo? A corner lot?
Room for Fido to run free in the yard? No yard? Perhaps cost is your
main concern. Or timing. |
| 2. | Ask friends and family members for referrals. |
| 3. | If you've found the general area in which you'd like to
move, do an informal survey by driving through neighborhoods and
viewing yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up time after time may
indicate that person is a specialist in the area. |
| 4. | Pay attention to designations. This is how you will
know in what a real estate agent specializes. You may be interested in
these designations: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CLHMS
(Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), CRP (Certified Relocation
Professional), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and SRES (Senior
Real Estate Specialist). There are dozens of designations agents pursue
for continuing education, so find one that fits your needs. |
| 5. | Once you have your list narrowed down to about three
real estate professionals, schedule interviews. Agents may ask to meet
at your home if you are selling. If you are buying, expect to meet the
agents at their offices. |
| a. | If selling, ask the agent how he or she would establish
a price. You may request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a
CMA, which shows the actual market value of similar homes in the area. |
| b. | If selling, ask the agent how he or she would market
your property. |
| c. | Ask the agent how often you should expect to hear from
him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic
expectations. Pay attention to the agent's office hours and whether or
not you will be invited to access them via a cell phone, pager or
e-mail. |
| d. | Ask how long the agent has been in real estate. While
time is not the most important factor, it may demonstrate the agent's
experience. |
| e. | Ask about awards and designations. |
| f. | Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he
or she cut you off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing
worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the agent
has not listened carefully to your needs or having your home on the
market too long because the wrong buyers are being targeted. |
| g. | Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Do they
require a percentage of the sales price, do they work for a flat fee,
or will they be paid by the seller (if you're the buyer)? |
| h. | If you are unsatisfied with the agent's plan or
personality, thank the agent for taking the time to meet with you, and
repeat the process with another agent. It is time-consuming to meet
with multiple agents, but it's worthwhile to find the right one. |
Once you've found the right agent to represent you, hold up your end of
the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your agent
get you the best deal.
How to work with your agent
| 1. | If you are selling, create an information sheet that
lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those that
people might otherwise overlook. Give this to your agent, who may be
able to use the information when marketing or talking with potential
buyers. |
| 2. | When selling, talk to the agent about upgrading. Your
home may need fresh paint or new carpet. (Make sure you choose neutral
colors.) |
| 3. | If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust.
Keep the bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep
daily during the selling process. |
| 4. | If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of
your priorities numbered one through 10 and give it to your agent. You
can always revise the list, but give your agent something concrete so
he or she can research available listings effectively. |
Helpful tips
| 1. | The agent's real estate office can say a lot about him
or her. Is it organized or cluttered? When is it open? Does the office
schedule make it easily accessible? Is the office clean? |
| 2. | Your agent is an authority you hire to help you make
the right decisions, but when push comes to shove, you have the final
word. |
| 3. | Hiring an expert will give you the best advantage. This
is an enormous advantage for buyers, sellers and investors. |
| 4. | Buying a home is likely to be the biggest single
investment you'll ever make. Invest wisely. |
| 5. | Remember that home values fluctuate with the economy. |
|
Brent Gourley |
Dan Harding |
