Buying
real estate is complex, and it’s imperative to select a competent,
honest agent who will skillfully represent your best interests
throughout the entire process of selecting, negotiating and closing on
your property.
Here are several things to look for and consider when selecting the real estate professional to represent you in a transaction:
Experience
Real
estate is a learn-by-doing process, and an experienced agent should be
closing at least five to seven property transactions per year. Every
transaction is complex, and each agent obtains new and relevant
“training” on each deal. So ask each agent — you should interview at
least three — how many transactions they’ve closed in the past 12 months
and several years. If they have not closed that many, ask who is
guiding them as they learn the business and what professional training
they had to prepare them to assist you.
References
References
You
also want to get references from the sales professionals’ recently
closed transactions. Then take the time to call those references to ask
how the agents performed. You will learn a lot by listening to what
their past customers have to say. Google their names, too, and check the
state for licensing information and any disciplinary information.
Time to work with you
An
agent who has too many clients may be too busy for you and may not be
right for you, either. Make sure they have the time to sit with and
educate you, show you lots of properties and are willing to write offers
on properties that you would like to buy. If they have too many clients
at once, service to you may suffer. So make your best judgment.
Location
Make
sure they know the location, location, location in which you want to
purchase property. Some agents are going to be familiar with the entire
county and can talk to you about each neighborhood. Find a sales
professional who is very knowledgeable about your targeted location.
Help you protect yourself
Will
they help you make smart decisions? This is the largest purchase you
are ever going to make, and your real estate professional should be
well-versed in and advise you on how to do your “homework” when buying a
property. Does buying make financial sense? Did you get a fair deal on
your mortgage? Have you looked at the HOA documents, title abstract or
plat? Are you procuring the right insurance for the proper amount? A
good agent can guide you in these areas and should be on your side in a
transaction.
The
sales professional you use should be someone you trust and feel can do a
great job helping you evaluate homes and get a property under contract.
They should also help you navigate the escrow and closing process and
negotiate in your best interest, whether it is the price, repair
requests or other contract terms.
Source: Fox Business
Source Link: http://goo.gl/Zocww
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