Buying or selling a home is probably one of the most important decisions you will make. To begin the process, choose the right agent to help save you time, money and effort.
1. Choose an agent who is experienced - Nine out of ten agents do not make it through their first year! In real estate there is simply no substitute for experience.
2. Choose an agent who knows the area - Remember: Location, location, location. However, if you are planning to purchase outside your current neighborhood, find out if your agent is willing to work other ares as well. Having one agent coordinate both transactions can simplify the process for everyone.
3. Choose an agent who is full time - 20% of the agents make 80% of the sales. Not only do you need an agent who can be available for you when you need them, you also want your purchase or sale to be as important to your agent as it is to you.
4. Choose an agent who is an Associate Broker - Associate Brokers must be experienced, have additional education, and pass the state brokers exam. It is a bonus if the agent has also been a managing broker because they will have benefited from the experience of all the transactions they have overseen.
5. Choose an agent who is part of a team - A team can deliver the best service, accomplish more in less time, and free your agent to focus on marketing your property. Besides, there will always be someone there to take care of your needs, even when your agent of out of the office.
6. Choose an agent with a National or International real estate company - In many neighborhoods, as many as 70% of home sales are to buyers from out of the area. A national company offers instant name recognition, built-in relocation network, and a web presence that is more than merely regional.
7. Choose an agent who works in a top producing office - Your agent will be promoting your property to co-workers and exposing the property to other highly successful agents which can result in a faster sale at the best price.
8. Choose an agent who will give you a detailed marketing plan - Find out how often your agent will schedule open houses, place advertisements, how the home will appear on the Internet and other ways in which your home will be marketed.
9. Choose an agent with which you have a good rapport - You will be working closely together throughout the entire process.