WORKING WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT
Selecting the right real estate agent to help you buy or sell your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible experience, you should consider a professional's background, personality and responsiveness.
Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your real estate agent.
How to choose a real estate agent
1. Consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth transition. So don't waste time and resources – decide what's most important to you, and then find a professional who specializes in that area. A KEMP & ASSOCIATES agent can help you no matter what your needs are.
2. Ask friends and family members for referrals. Someone you know and trust may have a KEMP & ASSOCIATES agent in mind to help you meet your real estate goals.
3. If you've already determined where you'd like to live, drive through neighborhoods in the area and survey them for REALTOR® yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up on signs time after time may indicate that the agent is a specialist in the area. If you're thinking about selling, monitor the signs in your own neighborhood.
4. Moving far away? Right here on remax.com, you can connect with a KEMP & ASSOCIATES agent around the world who can offer great expertise and service. Consider services they offer, additional certifications, any specialties, and languages they speak. You'll find the right professional to meet your real estate needs no matter where your home search takes you.
What to ask in the interview
1. If selling, ask the real estate agent how he or she would establish a listing price. Request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the market value of similar homes in the area that are for sale or have recently sold.
2. Ask the agent how he or she would market your property. Understand that some agents may prefer to first tour your home and then put together a customized marketing plan to present at a later meeting. But if he or she can't suggest a strategy when asked, you might consider interviewing other candidates.
3. 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.
4. Ask how long the agent has been licensed and how many buyers and sellers he or she has helped.
5. Ask about designations. Interest in continuing education is a strong indicator of motivation and professionalism.
6. 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 real estate agent has not listened carefully to your needs, or having your home on the market too long because it's priced incorrectly and the wrong buyers are being targeted.
7. Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Does he or she require a percentage of the sales price or work for a flat fee? Will the agent be paid another way?
8. If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities numbered 1 through 10. You can always revise the list, but give your agent something concrete so that he or she can research available listings more efficiently.
Food for thought
1. Hiring a REALTOR® will give you a strong advantage. Although many practitioners work part-time, KEMP & ASSOCIATES are full-time professionals who provide their complete attention and expertise.
2. Your real estate agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right decisions, but you have the final word.
3. Your residence is likely
How to work with your real estate agent
1. If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those that others might overlook. Your agent may be able to use the information when marketing your home.
2. When selling, talk to the real estate agent about cosmetic improvements. Your home may need fresh paint or new carpet.
3. If selling, keep to be the biggest single investment you'll ever make. Buy and sell wisely.
4. Office environment can say a lot about a business person. Is it clean and organized? Do the office hours make it easily accessible? Are staff members pleasant and helpful?
5. Remember that home values fluctuate with the economy.
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