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Ten Suggestions for Selecting a Real Estate Agent
In order to find a real estate broker or agent who meets your needs
and makes your buying or selling experience a positive one:
1. DO NOT blindly walk into or call a neighborhood firm
and ask for an agent at random.
2. Ask friends and family for recommendations.
3. Interview several real estate agents. Find out their history
with the brokerage, their experience and background. Ask for a list of
previous clients and their phone numbers.
4. Pay attention to whether a potential agent is listening closely
to what you say. Is he or she asking follow-up questions which prompt
further explanation and help him or her understand exactly your needs and
wants?
5. Give a potential agent the opportunity to educate you.
A good agent should walk a customer through the buying or selling process
before ever showing properties or discussing a specific transaction.
6. Have a good idea of what you expect from an agent and communicate
those expectations. How often do you want to hear from your agent?
Do you want to hold meetings at your house rather than the real estate
office?
7. Weigh the benefits of working with an experienced agent versus
a novice. An experienced agent may have more insight, but a new agent
may have innovative ideas or more energy and time.
8. Find an agent who complements your personality. If you
like to start your day at 7:00 a.m., don't choose an agent who arrives
to the office at 10:00 a.m. If your preferred method of communication
is e-mail, don't choose an agent whose most advanced technology is a fax
machine.
9. Evaluate the agent's firm and/or office. Look for a real
estate organization whose agents can empower you with real estate
expertise and resources and provide first-rate customer service.
10. Look for an agent who will be your partner. Find someone
you trust, who will give you the facts, help you make intelligent, well-informed
decisions and work with you throughout the entire process.
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