Working With Your Agent
Selecting the right real estate professional to help you buy or sell
your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible
experience, you should consider an agent's experience, personality and
responsiveness in your overall evaluations.
Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your agent.
How to choose an agent
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1.
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When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, consumers who do their
homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth
financial and physical transition. So don't slack off - decide what is
most important to you, and then find an agent who specializes in that
field. Does location matter most? Do you need a townhouse with a
garage? A four-bedroom home? A condo? A corner lot? Room for Fido to
run free in the yard? No yard? Perhaps cost is your main concern. Or
timing.
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2.
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Ask friends and family members for referrals.
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3.
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If you've found the general area in which you'd like to move, do an
informal survey by driving through neighborhoods and viewing yard
signs. Seeing the same name pop up time after time may indicate that
person is a specialist in the area.
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4.
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Pay attention to designations. This is how you will know in what a real
estate agent specializes. You may be interested in these designations:
ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home
Marketing Specialist), CRP (Certified Relocation Professional), CRS
(Certified Residential Specialist) and SRES (Senior Real Estate
Specialist). There are dozens of designations agents pursue for
continuing education, so find one that fits your needs.
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5.
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Once you have your list narrowed down to about three real estate
professionals, schedule interviews. Agents may ask to meet at your home
if you are selling. If you are buying, expect to meet the agents at
their offices.
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a.
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If selling, ask the agent how he or she would establish a price. You
may request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which
shows the actual market value of similar homes in the area.
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b.
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If selling, ask the agent how he or she would market your property.
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c.
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Ask the agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know
how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations.
Pay attention to the agent's office hours and whether or not you will
be invited to access them via a cell phone, pager or e-mail.
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d.
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Ask how long the agent has been in real estate. While time is not the
most important factor, it may demonstrate the agent's experience.
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e.
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Ask about awards and designations.
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f.
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Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he or she cut you
off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than
looking at houses you have no interest in because the agent has not
listened carefully to your needs or having your home on the market too
long because the wrong buyers are being targeted.
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g.
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Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Do they require a
percentage of the sales price, do they work for a flat fee, or will
they be paid by the seller (if you're the buyer)?
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h.
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If you are unsatisfied with the agent's plan or personality, thank the
agent for taking the time to meet with you, and repeat the process with
another agent. It is time-consuming to meet with multiple agents, but
it's worthwhile to find the right one.
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Once you've found the right agent to represent you, hold up your end of
the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your agent
get you the best deal.
How to work with your agent
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1.
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If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home's
features and best qualities, especially those that people might
otherwise overlook. Give this to your agent, who may be able to use the
information when marketing or talking with potential buyers.
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2.
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When selling, talk to the agent about upgrading. Your home may need
fresh paint or new carpet. (Make sure you choose neutral colors.)
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3.
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If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust. Keep the
bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep daily during
the selling process.
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4.
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If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities
numbered one through 10 and give it to your agent. You can always
revise the list, but give your agent something concrete so he or she
can research available listings effectively.
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Helpful tips
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The agent's real estate office can say a lot about him or her. Is it
organized or cluttered? When is it open? Does the office schedule make
it easily accessible? Is the office clean?
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2.
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Your agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right
decisions, but when push comes to shove, you have the final word.
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3.
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Hiring an expert will give you the best advantage. This is an enormous advantage for buyers, sellers and
investors.
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4.
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Buying a home is likely to be the biggest single investment you'll ever make. Invest wisely.
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5.
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Remember that home values fluctuate with the economy.
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Gerald Teichroeb
RE/MAX Real Estate (Kamloops)
258 Seymour St., Kamloops, BC, V2C-2E5
Ph: 250-374-3331, Toll free: 1-877-374-3331
