Home Loan Info

By Guest Author Tom Beaty

Choosing a real estate agent can be a daunting task for the home buyer. With so many agents and agencies to choose from, it’s easy for a buyer to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what qualities they should be searching for. Is it best to work with a large agency or a small one? Will their chosen realtor follow through on all of their promises? How do they find a realtor with a good reputation and a commitment to serving their clients needs?

All of these questions are valid and should be fully explored. That is why it is so important to choose carefully and do your homework when searching for a realtor. When selecting the person who will help you to purchase the perfect home, it definitely pays to shop around.

A good realtor should be trustworthy

Finding a realtor you can trust should be of the highest priority when searching for a new home. You need to feel that your realtor is looking out for your best interests, and is dedicated to making your home purchase a pleasant experience. A good realtor takes the time to provide their buyers with the highest level of service, and is out for more than just a commission check.

A good realtor answers all of your questions

When searching for your realtor, you should be prepared to interview several potential candidates. You don’t want to simply call the first realtor you see on a billboard or in the Yellow Pages; this should not be a hasty decision. When interviewing potential realtors, look for an individual who patiently answers all of your questions, and never makes you feel like you are wasting their time. Weigh carefully whether you trust what this person is saying, or if it sounds like they are just telling you what you want to hear.

A good realtor can provide references

Realtors are like any other business person: they are happy to offer references from satisfied customers. If a realtor hedges on giving references, or disregards your request, it is best to move on to the next candidate. Word of mouth is powerful advertisement because only previous customers can tell you if a particular realtor can deliver on all they promise.

A good realtor has the full support of a good broker

Of course all brokers are going to want your business just as much as the realtor working under them. However, it is possible to determine a lot about an agency and the realtors working there by having a conversation with the broker. Do they take the time to answer your questions? Are you comfortable with their philosophy and sales record? Does the broker leave you with a sense of confidence?

A good realtor has excellent communication skills

Finding a realtor with excellent communication skills can save you a lot of time and hassle when you are searching for your new home. A good realtor is able to explain the home buying process in a way that is clear and understandable. They should listen carefully to your needs, and look to meet them appropriately. A good realtor doesn’t show their clients homes that are too large, too small, or out of the buyer’s price range.

A good realtor anticipates their client’s needs

As a home buyer, you share a certain amount of responsibility in making sure that your realtor knows what kind of home you are looking for. But to a certain extent, a good realtor should be able to anticipate their client’s needs through their knowledge of what their client is looking for, as well as what is available on the market. For example, a realtor should provide information on school districts and local activities for children if their clients are searching for a larger family home.

A good realtor goes the extra mile

Some realtors only do the bare minimum for their clients. They rush through the showings, and then pressure their client to quickly make an offer on a home without giving them time to think things through. This type of realtor is only concerned with collecting their commission check.

A good realtor focuses on all of the little things that help to improve their client’s home buying experience. They offer advice on loan officers, title companies, and reputable home inspectors. They make sure to appear on closing day to answer any of their client’s last minute questions and to address all concerns. A good realtor is concerned about building an excellent reputation as a trustworthy ally in the home buying process. This is the type of realtor you are searching for, and this is why it pays to thoroughly check out any realtor before hiring them.

Copyright 2006 All Right reserved by Tom Beaty

About the Author

Concrete Homes survive hurricanes - Tom Beaty a real estate broker and home builders in Palm Coast, Flagler and Volusia County. Visit: Florida real estate or Florida home builder

Bob Roscoe, Mortgage Marketing Associates, Minneapolis, Minneosta

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