Which Real Estate Agent To Choose

Which Real Estate Agent To Choose

Sellers pay 6 percent of the sale price of a home in commissions, with half going to their own estate agent and the other half to a buyer’s agent. To help with the selection, 14 members of the Forbes Real Estate Council are contacting potential buyers and sellers to make sure the estate agents they work with are right for them. While most sellers see it as an advantage to hiring an estate agent, around a fifth says that it is difficult or very difficult to find the right estate agent (18%).

When asked, estate agents provide details of the homes they have listed or sold in the past year, contact details, and at least some current customers. While technology seems to be taking over much of the housing search, finding the right real estate agent remains a human-to-human decision. Home buyers often hire a real estate agent to dive into their housing search before speaking to a lender.

Before you interview a real estate agent for a job, make sure he does a lot of business and has a lot of enthusiastic fans. The key is to find estate agents with experience to guide you through the process. Read on for tips on how to pick an estate agent that suits you best.

What is a Buyer’s Agent?

A Buyers Agent is a real estate professional and market specialist who represents the buyer in a real estate transaction. The Buyers Agent, his Broker, and his real estate Agency all represent the buyer and work on the buyer’s behalf safeguarding interests, negotiating pricesarranging to finance, and managing the transaction closing.

What does this service cost the buyer?

The Buyers Agent services are FREE to the buyer. In real estate transactions, the seller pays the commission, which is a predetermined percentage of the sale, to the seller’s Agent and to the Buyers Agent. There is no additional cost to the buyer.

What is a Sellers Agent?

This is the “listing agent” whose name is on the sign. Legally obligated to represent the seller’s interests. Duty is to get the highest price and best terms for the seller, maintain the seller’s confidentiality and disclose all known information about prospective buyers. Seller is “client”, buyers are “customers”.

What is a Buyers Agent?

This is an agent to represent the buyer’s interests. Duty is to locate the right home for the buyer, negotiate on buyers’ behalf for the best price and terms, maintain the buyer’s confidentiality and disclose all known information about the seller AND THE HOME to the buyer. Buyer is “client”, sellers are “customers”.

Benefits of Using a Real Estate Agent

Do I need an agent that is so active in the market?

Yes, I represent current active real estate buyers. I have information on all homes, new and pre-owned, currently available for sale provided by local resources. As members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), California Association of Realtors, and local Realtor Associations – including the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) – we adhere to the Realtor code of ethics and a high standard of service.

Here is what you can expect from me:

I will work with you at every stage of the home-finding process, from the initial selection of properties to view, through the presentation of a purchase offer, to obtaining financing and the completion of the transaction.

Communication is important. We will want to agree to a system of regular contacts (whether in person, on the phone, by mail, fax or e-mail) so that you can be kept informed at all times.

I will give you reliable information and solid advice to make informed decisions. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions. You can read more about How to Finding a Good Realtor

Your Needs Come First

Finding and buying the right home is a highly personalized process, and it all begins by identifying your needs.

  • The values, interests, and priorities you want this move to support.
  • The features you are looking for in a home.
  • How a neighborhood can best match your needs and lifestyle.
  • How the home finding process will need to be tailored to fit your plans.
  • The support you expect to receive from me.

How to Look at Homes

Discovering the right home should be an exciting event. As a Real Estate professional, my commitment is to make your home search as stress-free and efficient for you as possible.

Identifying up-front what is affordable will save time and frustration in the home-finding process. It is important to consider the financing options available and to begin the mortgage pre-approval process as soon as possible.

From the many properties currently on the market, I will select those most closely meet your unique needs and interests. It is best to preview only a few homes at a time.

We will schedule a time to look at homes and neighborhoods. I will arrange to show appointments with the sellers or their brokers.

If the seller or their real estate professional is at the property when we are there, it would be best for you to limit your conversation with them.

You can use the Home Finding Worksheets I’ll give you to evaluate each property.

In order to help me find the right home for you, I will ask you to tell me your thoughts about each property you see — the positives and the negatives. We will continue to assess your needs and buying criteria.

It is my hope that you will be so pleased with my service that you will turn to me for advice on your future real estate needs.

Read More: What is Real Estate Capital Gains Tax

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