For many reasons buying or selling a home is one of the most stress-filled situations you will endure in your life. First of all, it’s usually your largest single investment. Second, the process is disruptive and time-consuming, not to mention expensive.
The stress of buying or selling is generally compounded by other reasons. For example, people frequently move due to changes in their life that may or may have been planned e.g. a growing family, a death, a divorce, a job loss or relocation. And, most people dislike change, so the very act of packing up all your personal possessions, moving the kid’s schools, worrying about how the dog will react to the move all adds to the stress.
Hiring an Experienced Realtor is the easiest way to reduce the stress. But why use a REALTOR® at all? Can’t I do it myself? You could, but why? Hiring an experienced real estate agent to representing you, whether buying or selling a home will usually give you smoother, less stressful transaction.
The Problem: How do you find the REALTOR® who’s right for you? There are so many choices. In my area, the South Bay of Los Angeles, there are a couple thousand real estate agents and the State of California has almost 200,000 Realtors. Almost half of those are newer agents, so choose wisely.
Finding the right agent who is right for you will take a little time and commitment on your part.
1. Get referrals – Ask friends, family members, neighbors or co-workers.
· If you want a particular geographic area and can’t get a good referral visit area open houses, drive the neighborhood. Many realtors specialize in certain areas or types of property.
2. Interview 2-3 agents
· If possible visit them or interview them at their office. Visiting their office can tell you a lot about the agent as well as the company they work with.
3. Prepare a list of questions to ask potential agents.
· Ask about their Experience, how they work, etc…
· Ask agent to explain the sales process with you so that you’re comfortable and know what to expect. This will also tell you if they understand it themselves.
· Ask him/her to explain the contracts & disclosures? You’d be surprised how many agents do not understand these important legal documents.
4. For sellers, does the agent have a firm opinion of your price & can they justify it? Or, are they just going to list it at whatever price you want. Some agents will tell a seller any price just to get the listing. Their goal is to install a sign, collect buyers, and then go back to you for price reduction.
There are many other things to look for but if you start by following these simple steps, finding the right agent for you will be easy!
Get Referrals…Find agent who works your area
Interview 2-3 real estate agents
Prepare a list of questions
For sellers, ask agent to justify price
