You may be likely to sell your home or buy a new home. In any event, you’re probably searching for a great real estate agent.
Realtor, Real Estate Agent – is there a difference?
There are Realtors� and there are real estate agents. They are not synonymous terms. A real estate agent is licensed to “represent a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for commission.”Realtors typically work for a real estate broker or Realtor.
A Realtor also is licensed and may sell real estate as either an agent or perhaps a broker. You can find completely ethical real estate agents and Realtor�. The principal difference is a Realtor has made an additional commitment to honor the 17-article code and profession of the real estate business.
The search plus some questions
Looking for a great agent means that you will end up asking questions, so let’s start building your list of questions:
Referrals: ask friends and family, colleagues, and relatives for referrals. A lot of people who have had a positive experience working with a realtor will gladly describe their experience and just why they feel their agent was exceptional.
Referrals from professionals: that is definitely appropriate to ask real estate agents for referrals. Lender representatives, especially mortgage brokers, are likely to be aware of exceptional agents.
Open houses: going to open houses is an excellent, non-threatening way to meet estate agents. Focus on the agent’s manners and appearance, his/her professionalism, and the grade of promotional material provided at the open house. Does the agent seem proficient in the property and the local market? Is the agent ready to explain the home’s features, or does he basically ignore visitors?
If you have a generally favorable impression of a realtor, be sure to collect a business card and make notes of one’s observations.
References: intend to interview several agents before deciding and signing a buyer’s agreement. Through the interview, ask each candidate to supply referrals of recent clients and call those referrals.
Among the questions to ask are what were the asking and selling prices of their properties, and just how long the home was in the marketplace?
Take time to research the estate board of licensing services to verify that the candidate is currently licensed and whether any complaints or disciplinary actions have been filed against the agent.
Homes for Rent Experience: how long has the agent been in business? You have to be looking for the agent who thoroughly knows the neighborhood market in which you’re selling or planning to buy your home. It takes time and energy to build expertise and market knowledge. One agent recommends that any viable candidate should have at the very least five years’ experience.
Is the agent full- or part-time? You should expect, and ask for, a full time agent.
Next steps
When evaluating the qualifications of estate agents, look at their websites and current listings. Your own future agent should be web and technology savvy, using all current media to assist you find your perfect home or sell your current one. The agent should also manage to communicate reliably and regularly utilizing the form(s) of contact you prefer – fax, phone, text, or e-mail.
Ideally, your prospective agent is busy however, not too busy to effectively represent you. In the event that you feel that the candidate is not focused on giving your sale or purchase full and enthusiastic service, or is ready to hand you to an “assistant”, move o