Choosing the Perfect Real Estate Agent
Cal Golden

When you come to the decision of choosing a real estate agent there are questions, which need answers.  All agents work differently, finding the one that works best for your needs may be tricky.  Some easy questions and information can come in handy.  Think of agents as salespeople.  They want to sell you a house.  As buying a car there are certain aspects you need to inquire about.

With all things in life, personas are very important.  Be sure not to clash with the agent you would like.  You will need to converse with this person everyday until the deal goes through.  Make certain this person is someone who you would like to talk with each day.  You should be able to tell within the initial five minutes of conversation whether this is the agent for you.  Choose an agent that is willing to work for and understand the desires of your whole family. When you have decided on the neighborhoods you’d like to live in, attempt to find an agent who works or lives in the desired area.  This agent will be more in touch with the surroundings and can best explain the benefits of the area to you.  Explain to your agent what you are looking for in a home.  Listen carefully to what the agent has to say. Do you believe what they are saying?

Before making a decision on which real estate agent to turn to, check out a few.

Positively verify they have all the licenses they need.  Take time to confirm which licenses they have and if they need to continue their education.  Someone who keeps up on their school for the job they have chosen shows they are committed to their job.  Ask for references; look for people who have dealt with this person on occasion.  Follow up with positive and negative feedback from different sources.  Once you decide on a few different real estate agents you feel will best help you, the major questions come into play.

When asking questions get a straight answer.  If they give you the run around about one of more replies then the real estate agent is not being truthful.  Ask which way they prefer to communicate.  Do they have a full set up including a personal line, pager, cell phone, and computer with email?  Is there an internet site available to view prospective homes? Do they do business with the buyer or seller most often?  Which home investigators, insurance or lenders do they have available?  What is their policy in protecting their client’s best interest?

When the correct agent answers all the above questions plus others you have in mind appropriately consider how they treated you during this process.  Did they return every phone call and message you left?  Are they knowledgeable about the neighborhoods, schools and commuting?  Did they try to obtain your business?  Is the agent bending over backwards to search for a home quickly and painlessly?

There are key points to remember with finding an agent that suites your time and money.  The real estate agent should be a full time agent.  There are so many that are just part time hobbyists.  Wouldn’t you rather have an agent searching for that ideal home on a full time basis? Only select a part time agent if you are not in a hurry to find a home If you have an uncertainty about anything they mention to you or do not know what something means, inquire about it. It is best to take a list of written questions so that you don’t get side tracked. Express every possible request you have for the home.  If something is not what you ask for refuse it.  Tell them again exactly what you have already stated to that agent.  The agent who has the highest reputation for selling homes would be an ideal candidate.  Open houses are another way to find an agent, however be wary of this process.  Agents frequent open houses often looking for clients.

When picking out a real estate agent, guidelines need to be followed in order to get the best representation possible.  Some will work with you and some against.  Inquiring about significant points will help you determine which real estate agent will be ideal.  Remember not to sign anything without first being willing to commit 100 percent.  You want the procedure to be as quick and painless as possible.  Enjoy buying a house and leave the worry and stress of finding that home, to the agent.

Cal Golden is a real estate investor and appraisor. For top notch info on buying and selling real estate, make Real Estate Investing Center your new home.