Answers (20)
- Chris McCarthy, "Chris McCarthy"
- Contributions:6
Some one full time who is willing to work with your schedule and meet evenings and weekends and who has knowledge of the area.
- Kat Nimmons, "Kat Nimmons"
- Contributions:118
Steven, look to see if that agent has an ABR symbol on their business card, or website. Accredited Buyer Representative.
- Steven Pacchiano, "NY Broker"
- Contributions:384
Full Time realtor how knows the area, and talks the truth. Not an agent who talks all rainbows and fairy tales
- Aaron Weber, "Aaron Weber"
- Contributions:11
What to look for.
1. Somebody who is a "full time" realtor. I would want to work for somebody who is doing this a career and not a hobby. If they are part time, the part of the time they are not working for you. Would you build a house with a part time builder?
2. Somebody who you trust and get along with. This process of buying or selling takes time. Everybody has different interest and finding somebody who you can relate to will make the process go smoother.
3. Drive to find you the perfect place. If your realtor is not excited about finding you a place, you may need a new realtor. If the drive is not there, what can you expect from them as you are just another transaction.
4. Home buying and selling should be fun. It is not everyday that you sign your life away for 30 years. So be-careful and find the property that you want with any agent that you will enjoy working with.
1. Somebody who is a "full time" realtor. I would want to work for somebody who is doing this a career and not a hobby. If they are part time, the part of the time they are not working for you. Would you build a house with a part time builder?
2. Somebody who you trust and get along with. This process of buying or selling takes time. Everybody has different interest and finding somebody who you can relate to will make the process go smoother.
3. Drive to find you the perfect place. If your realtor is not excited about finding you a place, you may need a new realtor. If the drive is not there, what can you expect from them as you are just another transaction.
4. Home buying and selling should be fun. It is not everyday that you sign your life away for 30 years. So be-careful and find the property that you want with any agent that you will enjoy working with.
- Lynne Horner GRI, ABR, SFR, "Lynne Horner"
- Contributions:33
I would say that you should find a Realtor who spends more time asking you questions about you and your home buying/selling needs than explains to you how wonderful they are.
- Paul Consoli, "pconsoli1"
- Contributions:1453
It is important to feel that your agent is your advocate. You need to be confident that he or she has the knowledge, experience and time to help you find the perfect house. Time in the business is not always the best measure. I have worked with many newer agents who outshine the veterans. The best agent will always focus on your wants, needs and wishes first. His job is to help you manage the process and make good decisions.
- Bill Kruckenberger, "billkruck"
- Contributions:100
Experience, market knowledge and negotiation skills! That's what works to find the best property and negotiate the best terms for the Buyer.
- Amy Robinson, "Amy Robinson Realtor"
- Contributions:80
Keep in mind that buying or selling real estate is a process that can take several weeks, months, or more. It is critical that you find someone you trust and have confidence in. Also, it helps to work with someone you actually like and get along with and communicate well with.
I always advise my clients that this is a team effort - we have to work together to accomplish your real estate goals.
What to look for?
Knowledge of the market area, knowledge of the business, good negotiation skills, and an ambition to help YOU - no matter what!
What questions do I ask?
How long have you been in the business? How many transactions have you successfully closed in the last 12 months? What is your average sales price? Are you a full time agent?
MOST IMPORTANT Question to ask: Can you provide me with client referrals that I may call to speak with? Would they recommend this agent to their friends or family?
I always advise my clients that this is a team effort - we have to work together to accomplish your real estate goals.
What to look for?
Knowledge of the market area, knowledge of the business, good negotiation skills, and an ambition to help YOU - no matter what!
What questions do I ask?
How long have you been in the business? How many transactions have you successfully closed in the last 12 months? What is your average sales price? Are you a full time agent?
MOST IMPORTANT Question to ask: Can you provide me with client referrals that I may call to speak with? Would they recommend this agent to their friends or family?
- Hunter Law, "HunterLaw"
- Contributions:262
It is important to find an agent that will answer your calls and questions promptly. One that makes themselves accessible, when you need them. If your Realtor is not there when you call, or doesn't get back to you as soon as possible, you could miss out on a potential sale. This is important for both buying and selling. In selling your home, you need a Realtor who markets your property and keeps up with the advertising. Real estate is changing and Realtors who are proactive and educated when it comes to the internet, are able to offer a greater market.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:26843
"If you don't like their attitude or if you don't trust them for whatever reason, change Realtors before you go to contract!"
Good advice, but it can be hard follow if that agent convinced you to sign an exclusive buyers agreement as some agents do before you submit an offer.
By the time you find out that they are not the agent that you thought they were on first meeting, suddenly your realize that you're legally married to your agent until you buy or they breach. That's reason alone to look at those representation agreements with a hard eye.
Good advice, but it can be hard follow if that agent convinced you to sign an exclusive buyers agreement as some agents do before you submit an offer.
By the time you find out that they are not the agent that you thought they were on first meeting, suddenly your realize that you're legally married to your agent until you buy or they breach. That's reason alone to look at those representation agreements with a hard eye.
- Anita Newton, "Anita Newton"
- Contributions:37
When you are looking for a Realtor, look for one who will put your needs first, before their need to earn a commission. Look for expertise, and that they are working for a reputable company, deals with you honestly, doesn't try to hide problems that come up (and there are almost always some type of problems that come up), respects you and follows the Realtors Code of Ethics. You need to feel comfortable with them and trust them to represent your interests. If you don't like their attitude or if you don't trust them for whatever reason, change Realtors before you go to contract!
- hpvanc
- Contributions:3078
I'm willing to bet that Jenny has already left the building since she posted once 4 weeks ago, but here is my answer anyway.
Since you are asking about a buyer representative. The buyers agent should be someone that:
IS NOT A SALESPERSON
Due diligence expert both prior to offer and during the inspection/appraisal phase
Helps buyer keep impulsive emotional attachments in check
High level of technical knowledge
Possess at least one additional real estate related non-sales/non-broker license as an appraiser, inspector, title abstractor, etc.
Works within a team that has members with different real estate related but non-sales/non-broker licenses
Prior and/or current career activity in a non-soft skill position
Offers fee for service compensation plan that rebates cooperating commission, exclusively or at least as an option to traditional commission compensation model
Since you are asking about a buyer representative. The buyers agent should be someone that:
IS NOT A SALESPERSON
Due diligence expert both prior to offer and during the inspection/appraisal phase
Helps buyer keep impulsive emotional attachments in check
High level of technical knowledge
Possess at least one additional real estate related non-sales/non-broker license as an appraiser, inspector, title abstractor, etc.
Works within a team that has members with different real estate related but non-sales/non-broker licenses
Prior and/or current career activity in a non-soft skill position
Offers fee for service compensation plan that rebates cooperating commission, exclusively or at least as an option to traditional commission compensation model
- SoCal_Engr
- Contributions:6604
@ Mark & Miriam,
My guess, since she didn't post this in "Pro-to-Pro" is that Jenny was hoping that some actual consumers would respond.
Unfortunately...
#1 My experience is that most consumers are not going to respond unless they (a) have a position to push, or (b) you hit their topic-of-interest smack-dead-center.
#2 This question has been asked/answered so many times, it suffers from the been-there-done-that-got-the-t-shirt syndrome.
Exhibit #1
Two (2) posts from me, a non-pro. One snarky and one responding to your question (also somewhat snarky).
Six (6) posts from REAs. Some snarky and some "just can't help myself from writing SOMETHING".
My guess, since she didn't post this in "Pro-to-Pro" is that Jenny was hoping that some actual consumers would respond.
Unfortunately...
#1 My experience is that most consumers are not going to respond unless they (a) have a position to push, or (b) you hit their topic-of-interest smack-dead-center.
#2 This question has been asked/answered so many times, it suffers from the been-there-done-that-got-the-t-shirt syndrome.
Exhibit #1
Two (2) posts from me, a non-pro. One snarky and one responding to your question (also somewhat snarky).
Six (6) posts from REAs. Some snarky and some "just can't help myself from writing SOMETHING".
- Seth Captain, "CaptainSeth"
- Contributions:224
You look for an agent with nice hair. Don't underestimate the power of nice locks. And a high quality bluetooth. An agent without a bluetooth in his ear is not the agent you want.
- Mark & Miriam Babb, "MBabb"
- Contributions:14
Jenny,
Since you are an agent yourself, I am curious as to why you are asking this question here.
Since you are an agent yourself, I am curious as to why you are asking this question here.
- SoCal_Engr
- Contributions:6604
I always get amused when REAs can't stop themselves from hemorraghing all over a post targeted at consumers.
- Eric Bard, "Eric Bard"
- Contributions:65
You look for an agent who has a personality that suits your needs. Most important, they should be full time, able to demonstrate their expertise regarding your specific needs, knowledge of applicable local dynamics, and willingness to listen. interview at least two to three agents, and dismiss those that spend most of their time with you critiquing other agents rather than providing usable information.
- Akhila Aneja, "Houmes in Central NJ"
- Contributions:3
What can your Realtor do for you. Whether he or she can get results for you, local knowledge and of course to asses everything, go by past reviews.
- Steffy_Hristova
- Contributions:56
Look for a teammate in the home search - somebody who will take the time to ask you questions, understand your unique goals and needs.
If the Realtor offers to provide you an hour of free consultation that's usually a good sign - this is the time to check if this professional for you.
Ask questions, and describe what your goals are.
If the Realtor offers to provide you an hour of free consultation that's usually a good sign - this is the time to check if this professional for you.
Ask questions, and describe what your goals are.
- David Cooper, "LasVegasRents"
- Contributions:281
Results... Actual closed deals in the last 6 months.
David Cooper
David Cooper
What do you look for when choosing a realtor?
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- 5.0/5.0
- (2 reviews)
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