When thinking about buying or selling a property what are some of the first few thoughts that come to mind? Well, if you're anything like me, it's something similar to: I don't anything about real estate and I've really got to find a realtor.
And then the worry, fear and doubt set in.
Will I get a bad deal? Will I even be able to find what I want? Maybe I can just do this by myself; can I really trust someone else to help me get exactly what I want? These, while all valid thoughts and question need to be addressed in due time.
While satisfaction is always the goal it is more important to recognize that there is no such thing as perfect.
A great experience all starts with attitude.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I may not know tons on real estate but I assure you I am not afraid to do my research, but how exactly does one get started researching realtors? Will I be among statistics of the other Native Americans that look for realtors in the local magazines and get sold on a pretty smile or a chiseled chin? I may be gullible but with such a big decision to make, I understood the consequences of making the wrong decision on something as important as this.
I needed a professional.
I needed a realtor.
(Now, I recognize that for some a realtor isn't necessary and that's fine, more power to you, but for those of us that utilize this service how does one know a good realtor from a bad realtor?) Today, let's talk about some of the strategies that can be implemented in an attempt to lessen the load of home shopping.
To find a realtor that best suits you and your family's needs it might be easier to search online first.
Who's close by? Who has the most listings? As you start becoming familiar with names, don't be afraid to drive around surrounding neighborhoods to get a handle on who is selling the most.
If you see a particular name more than others, that may be a good sign.
Another great start is to ask your neighbors.
Who have they used? Why did they like that realtor in particular? Do they have fair rates? How long did it take them to find or sell the property? If it took a while, what were the obstacles? Obviously, there are some instances where these questions may be a bit too pervasive so use your best judgment to assess the relationship and the conversation to make sure it is not uncomfortable or awkward.
Shelley O'Hara, author of 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying & Selling a Home,' says, "When you announce your desire to purchase a house, you may be surprised at the number of real estate people who want to represent you.
Agents come out of the woodwork.
You won't have to worry too much about finding an agent - you do need to worry about finding a good one.
" So, how do you find a good one? "If you select a franchised broker, you have the advantage of national name recognition and usually a strong national advertising campaign.
" But beware.
"You aren't guaranteed a great agent just because you selected a well-known real estate franchise.
You should select a firm based on that office's reputation - not the reputation of the national firm.
" In the end, you have to find someone that works for you, personality, going rates and all.
Do you want an agent who tells you what to do and takes charge? Or do you prefer an agent who let's you talk first and makes you feel heard? Do you like an agent giving you a formal PowerPoint Presentation in his/her office, or do you prefer an agent who is casual in approach meeting you at home or at a coffee shop to share their marketing approach verbally? There's no right or wrong answer, but knowing what you prefer will help you match yourself with a personality that suits you best.
After all, you will have a relationship with this person for 30-90 days, typically in this market.
And then the worry, fear and doubt set in.
Will I get a bad deal? Will I even be able to find what I want? Maybe I can just do this by myself; can I really trust someone else to help me get exactly what I want? These, while all valid thoughts and question need to be addressed in due time.
While satisfaction is always the goal it is more important to recognize that there is no such thing as perfect.
A great experience all starts with attitude.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I may not know tons on real estate but I assure you I am not afraid to do my research, but how exactly does one get started researching realtors? Will I be among statistics of the other Native Americans that look for realtors in the local magazines and get sold on a pretty smile or a chiseled chin? I may be gullible but with such a big decision to make, I understood the consequences of making the wrong decision on something as important as this.
I needed a professional.
I needed a realtor.
(Now, I recognize that for some a realtor isn't necessary and that's fine, more power to you, but for those of us that utilize this service how does one know a good realtor from a bad realtor?) Today, let's talk about some of the strategies that can be implemented in an attempt to lessen the load of home shopping.
To find a realtor that best suits you and your family's needs it might be easier to search online first.
Who's close by? Who has the most listings? As you start becoming familiar with names, don't be afraid to drive around surrounding neighborhoods to get a handle on who is selling the most.
If you see a particular name more than others, that may be a good sign.
Another great start is to ask your neighbors.
Who have they used? Why did they like that realtor in particular? Do they have fair rates? How long did it take them to find or sell the property? If it took a while, what were the obstacles? Obviously, there are some instances where these questions may be a bit too pervasive so use your best judgment to assess the relationship and the conversation to make sure it is not uncomfortable or awkward.
Shelley O'Hara, author of 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying & Selling a Home,' says, "When you announce your desire to purchase a house, you may be surprised at the number of real estate people who want to represent you.
Agents come out of the woodwork.
You won't have to worry too much about finding an agent - you do need to worry about finding a good one.
" So, how do you find a good one? "If you select a franchised broker, you have the advantage of national name recognition and usually a strong national advertising campaign.
" But beware.
"You aren't guaranteed a great agent just because you selected a well-known real estate franchise.
You should select a firm based on that office's reputation - not the reputation of the national firm.
" In the end, you have to find someone that works for you, personality, going rates and all.
Do you want an agent who tells you what to do and takes charge? Or do you prefer an agent who let's you talk first and makes you feel heard? Do you like an agent giving you a formal PowerPoint Presentation in his/her office, or do you prefer an agent who is casual in approach meeting you at home or at a coffee shop to share their marketing approach verbally? There's no right or wrong answer, but knowing what you prefer will help you match yourself with a personality that suits you best.
After all, you will have a relationship with this person for 30-90 days, typically in this market.
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