{"id":257,"date":"2014-04-01T06:45:09","date_gmt":"2014-04-01T13:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shellyrobersonrealtor.com\/?p=257"},"modified":"2014-06-05T06:32:46","modified_gmt":"2014-06-05T13:32:46","slug":"choosing-the-right-realtor-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shellyrobersonrealtor.com\/choosing-the-right-realtor-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Right Realtor\u00ae for You"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nChoosing the Right Realtor\u00ae Can Make a HUGE Difference in Your Home Buying or Selling Experience!<\/h1>\n

Almost everyone knows a real estate agent.\u00a0 However, all agents are not created equally.\u00a0 This is easy to tell when you compare an agent\u2019s experience to others, compare how long they have been in the business, and most importantly how many closed real property transactions they have to their name.<\/p>\n

Moreover, a seasoned real estate agent will provide a list of references \u2013 probably with dozens, if not hundreds, of names, phone numbers, and contact information readily available for prospective clients to contact. \u00a0It is critical to check references to find out objectively how well the agent performed, to find out how accurate the agent was in their projections, costs, and estimated selling price, and to find out if the agent did what they said they would do.\u00a0 An agent with a multitude of references and hundreds of closed transactions is typically going to be more competent, more prepared, and more likely to achieve the results you desire and deserve.<\/p>\n

\"Buying<\/a>If you\u2019ve never worked with a real estate agent before or you would like to hire a new one, you now know that not all real estate agents are the same. \u00a0In addition to finding an agent with experience you need someone with whom you can communicate, that you can rely on to address your needs, and that has the expertise to get the job done. \u00a0Don\u2019t take a chance on selecting the wrong agent for your needs, even if that agent is a family member, friend, or friend of friend.\u00a0 It is paramount that you utilize the services of an experienced, qualified agent from the first step forward all the way through and after close of escrow. \u00a0Here are some tips that can help you to choose an agent that is ideal for you!<\/p>\n

1. Ask for References<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you think you have found a great real estate agent, ask them for references. There is a very good chance your family, friends, and even people you work with have been involved with a real estate agent and they can share information. They can tell you all the details of their experience with their Realtor\u00ae, including the good, the bad and the ugly.\u00a0 A top-shelf agent will provide you with a list of references which will include dozens, if not hundreds of their clients who are willing to endorse their agent.<\/p>\n

2. Ask for Experience – Like Closed Transactions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every seasoned real estate agent can provide you with a list of transactions they have worked on and closed in the last several years (most multiple listing services started collecting this data years ago). \u00a0Multiple (hundreds) closed transactions are very important for several reasons. \u00a0First, every transaction is different and with each one comes issues that have not occurred before. \u00a0An agent with hundreds of closed transactions with have crossed many bridges that inexperienced agents have not. \u00a0Second, with every nuance and issue comes an emotional roller-coaster for the principals. \u00a0Again a top-notched agent will be able to navigate the emotions for their clients and help smooth over the issues and get resolution quicker and more effectively than an inexperienced agent. \u00a0Finally, an experienced agent will not allow another agent to push them around during a transaction. \u00a0This is very common when an experience agent recognizes they are paired with an inexperienced agent on the other side. \u00a0It is similar to have a good attorney on one side versus a poor attorney on the other.<\/p>\n

A top-shelf experienced agent will provide you with a list of closed transactions (probably in the hundreds), they can provide you with a list of work they have performed in the areas in which you are interested, and they should provide this information at the drop of a hat. \u00a0If they can’t this should raise questions in your mind about their experience.<\/p>\n

3. Face-to-Face Interview\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is critical that you meet your agent face-to-face to make sure you will get along with them which will help things move along smoothly.\u00a0 Prepare for your meeting with a compilation of carefully crafted questions to ask. \u00a0Don\u2019t be shy when it comes to getting information from the agent \u2013 they are the expert and should be able to answer most if not all of your questions without too much trouble. \u00a0You may want to conduct this interview at their place of business so you can see their surroundings or at your home so they can see their prospective listing.\u00a0 In either situation here are some questions to consider.<\/p>\n