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Answers (27)
Best Answer
- Cindy LaPeer ABR, e-PRO,SFR, Cdrs, "Houston Metro Pro"
- Contributions:2239
You don't have to have a referral from someone in another city/state. There's usually a referral fee behind it, so on places like Zillow, a nice little profit could be made just by referring clients to agents in the cities they live in. Also, while designations are great in many ways, I have a problem w/the belief that the more designations you have, the better Realtor you are. Don't fall for that. There are those of us who have college degrees, have worked in other professions and quite simply, are too busy with clients to sit for 3 days in a class. We are in the field daily and know first-hand what the markets are like, how to work foreclosures, the in and outs of short sales, etc. You don't want someone who doesn't have time for you, but a list of disignations behind someone's name doesn't mean they have more experience. Pick the agent who you feel will help you the most, is honest, and listens to what you have to say whether they have a list of designations behind their name or not.
- Norm D Plume, "America Needs Nixon!"
- Contributions:1670
I'd start with an agent that can read a contract. That criteria leaves out most of the agents on this thread; they've proven that they can't even show a simple understanding of the terms of service on this site, the rules; I wouldn't trust them with representing me on something as binding as a real estate contract.
- Norm D Plume, "America Needs Nixon!"
- Contributions:1670
"If you want more help, call me" "Don't be fooled by agent advertisements!"
Is that a test? Diametricly opposed statements.
Is that a test? Diametricly opposed statements.
- MARY MITTEN, "Mary Mitten"
- Contributions:2
My company will take it from A-Z. Before choosing your local agent, I suggest you Google that agent's name and read up on their performance. You may find testimonials, bio, ratings, & resume. Good luck!
- Cindy LaPeer ABR, e-PRO,SFR, Cdrs, "Houston Metro Pro"
- Contributions:2239
I look forward to hearing from you!
- Edward Chavez, "Edrich10"
- Contributions:3
Thank you all for your honest and guiding answer I am not a realtor steadystate. I will conduct the purchase of my first home and I will contact mrs. LaPeer thanks for your great advise
- Naima Sumner, "Dallas Ft. Worth PRO"
- Contributions:2847
WOW... This thread looks like spamville...
TU to Cindy's answer too. She is a pro indeed,
Wetdawgs, you cracked me up. TU to you as well. The attention to detail is astonishing.
Naima
TU to Cindy's answer too. She is a pro indeed,
Wetdawgs, you cracked me up. TU to you as well. The attention to detail is astonishing.
Naima
- SteadyState
- Contributions:787
Edward Chavez - After reading your post again I am led to conclude that your are a Realtor. Please prove me wrong. Are you a Realtor?
- Joan Braunschweiger, "Morris County NJ"
- Contributions:1543
Me too, Dunes. TU from me also.
- Dunes....
- Contributions:3894
BTW...I like Cindy's post...Thumbs up
I like Joan's post and hpvanc & Wetdawgs said it well IMO...Thumbs up again
I like Joan's post and hpvanc & Wetdawgs said it well IMO...Thumbs up again
- Joan Braunschweiger, "Morris County NJ"
- Contributions:1543
Beth,
Right underneath the answer box, next to the cancel button, it says no spam or self-promotion.
Yet you persist in doing this.
Actually trying to get a referral fee out of a thread which is asking about what a good agent will do is showing a great example of what a good agent shouldn't do: try to get money for nothing and not be able to follow instructions.
Right underneath the answer box, next to the cancel button, it says no spam or self-promotion.
Yet you persist in doing this.
Actually trying to get a referral fee out of a thread which is asking about what a good agent will do is showing a great example of what a good agent shouldn't do: try to get money for nothing and not be able to follow instructions.
- Dunes....
- Contributions:3894
"Using the Zillow Advice forum to advertise is strictly prohibited in the Zillow Good Neighbor Policy, located at GNP "Please don't post inappropriate stuff: Spam, advertising, or self-promotional content is not allowed in Zillow Advice. This includes, but is not limited to, any contact information such as phone numbers, email addresses, or website URLs." As part of this policy, Zillow prohibits those posting in Zillow Advice from including any contact information in their posts.
If you feel that something you posted in Zillow Advice could be considered advertising, self promotional, or holding yourself out as being able to provide real estate services, it shouldn't be there. Agents should not be holding themselves out as being able to provide services on Zillow Advice. If a consumer wishes to contact you based on a comment you leave in Zillow Advice, they will click the link to your profile where all of the required information is provided. Until then, you are simply providing your two cents to Zillow's community."....
Link
(Above Explanation of Spam Posted by Rachel Rosen Zillow Community Relations Specialist Feb. 17 2011)
If you feel that something you posted in Zillow Advice could be considered advertising, self promotional, or holding yourself out as being able to provide real estate services, it shouldn't be there. Agents should not be holding themselves out as being able to provide services on Zillow Advice. If a consumer wishes to contact you based on a comment you leave in Zillow Advice, they will click the link to your profile where all of the required information is provided. Until then, you are simply providing your two cents to Zillow's community."....
Link
(Above Explanation of Spam Posted by Rachel Rosen Zillow Community Relations Specialist Feb. 17 2011)
- Lewis and Beth
- Contributions:60
If I were you I would interview the realtor/realtors you're interested in working with. Your realtor should listen to you and your specific needs and concerns, have a good amount of experience in the business and you should look for professional designations such as GRI, CRS and ABR. The agent should provide you with a resume, list of transactions for the last 12 months, and testimonials and endorsements. Call me at [Contact info removed by moderator]. I am happy to provide you with assistance/ referral to an agent in your area.
Beth L McIntyre
Keller Williams Realty
- hpvanc
- Contributions:2579
Cindy and Joan gave you some excellent answers, a Realtor should offer you convenience, but on everything else you absolutely have to be prepared to do your own homework.
As to interviewing agents, you need to find one that will be a salesperson last and least, and this becomes more important the more you want to rely on them (to totally rely on them you would have to find one that is not any in any way shape or form a salesperson). Good luck finding that type, they seem to be extremely scarce in that industry, and most of us don't seem to be very good at finding them.
As to interviewing agents, you need to find one that will be a salesperson last and least, and this becomes more important the more you want to rely on them (to totally rely on them you would have to find one that is not any in any way shape or form a salesperson). Good luck finding that type, they seem to be extremely scarce in that industry, and most of us don't seem to be very good at finding them.
- SteadyState
- Contributions:787
My Chavez - Are you also a Realtor? Your listed phone number on your web-page is very informative of your occupation.
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26854
A good agent can do a lot for you, but can't do everything. This is a buyer beware situation, you need to start by interviewing agents carefully.
A good example of part of the interview process is whether or not they can pay attention to details (if they put contact info in their posts on Zillow, they can't).
Can they find the right house for you? Not without your help, unless you don't mind me buying your shoes for you.
A good example of part of the interview process is whether or not they can pay attention to details (if they put contact info in their posts on Zillow, they can't).
Can they find the right house for you? Not without your help, unless you don't mind me buying your shoes for you.
- Joan Braunschweiger, "Morris County NJ"
- Contributions:1543
Beth, you guys have been members since 2008 yet you haven't yet figured out that leaving contact information in your posts is a Zillow no-no?
- Lewis and Beth
- Contributions:60
A good agent will assist you in the entire purchase process. Here is a brief summary of their tasks that they'll perform for you:
1. Meet with you to discuss your needs, wants, and search criteria.
2. Refer you to a minimum of 3 mortgage officers/lenders to get pre-approved for a mortgage, if you are not a cash buyer.
3. Explain the home buying process from the initial search to closing.
4. Refer you to the appropriate professionals for financing, home inspections, contractors to evaluate condition/ repairs of the property you're interested in buying, and attorneys for closing.
5. Supply contracts,and documentation to the lender, attorney, seller's agent, etc
6. Assist you in determining the fair market value of the property you are interested in buying.
7. Assist you in writing an offer to purchase your chosen property.
8. Negotiating the best price and terms for you.
9. Follow your transaction through to closing, advise you on dates and terms that need to be met and when.
10. Arrange for and attend the pre-closing walkthrough and closing.
11. Arrange for and show you homes based on your personal criteria.
For more information or additional questions that you may have feel free to contact me.
Beth L McIntyre
Keller Williams Realty
[contact info removed by moderator]
1. Meet with you to discuss your needs, wants, and search criteria.
2. Refer you to a minimum of 3 mortgage officers/lenders to get pre-approved for a mortgage, if you are not a cash buyer.
3. Explain the home buying process from the initial search to closing.
4. Refer you to the appropriate professionals for financing, home inspections, contractors to evaluate condition/ repairs of the property you're interested in buying, and attorneys for closing.
5. Supply contracts,and documentation to the lender, attorney, seller's agent, etc
6. Assist you in determining the fair market value of the property you are interested in buying.
7. Assist you in writing an offer to purchase your chosen property.
8. Negotiating the best price and terms for you.
9. Follow your transaction through to closing, advise you on dates and terms that need to be met and when.
10. Arrange for and attend the pre-closing walkthrough and closing.
11. Arrange for and show you homes based on your personal criteria.
For more information or additional questions that you may have feel free to contact me.
Beth L McIntyre
Keller Williams Realty
[contact info removed by moderator]
- Joan Braunschweiger, "Morris County NJ"
- Contributions:1543
You need to interview agents, preferably at their office, meet their broker and get a feel for what type of place they work at and who they work for.
Referrals are nice but not always accurate. One person's Great Agent is another person's Worst Nightmare.
You can go to open houses and get a feel for how the agents do their job. Any pushiness involved...run.
The right agent for you is a blend of knowledge, enthusiasm, honesty/ethics, one who will put your interests ahead of their bottom line and one who's personality meshes with yours.
Several of the sales advertisements posts in this thread to me are NOT it. You asked what a good agent will do for you and they tried to sell themselves and or get a referral fee, rather than just answer the question. Bad start as far as I'm concerned.
We don't use buyer contracts in my area but if the agents in your area do, read it carefully. Make sure you have an easy out if it turns out you chose the wrong agent. A good agent will be confident enough to do that. Also be careful of any contractual attempts to get extra compensation
I think what Cindy said is true: a team approach works best and each member of that team is extremely important. All it takes for a deal to go south is one person from that team to not do their job the way it should be done. Its good to take your agent's recommendations because they won't want someone part of that team who isn't effective however, you should always be presented with at least several choices.
As Cindy said, don't let anyone take control. Your agent is your advisor, you are the team leader.
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21466
"Will a good Realtor (a PRO) take care of everything from beginning to end?" -
No, there is no one that can do that for you. They can't sign for you; they can't "decide" for you. They can't pull your bank records for you. They can't get time off of work for you to look at properties.. They can't hire the house inspector for you. They can't pay your costs for you. They can't wire money for you. They can't authorize copies of your Federal Tax forms for you. They can't pay for the appraisal for you. They can't research various demographics in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act for you. They can't walk the neighborhood for you. They can't decide what your priorities are for you. They can't decide what neighborhoods and cities to search for you. They can't run the financial numbers for you. They can't get the house insurance for you. They can't relocate all your possessions and unpack for you.
Really, other than a "search", showing you homes, writing your offer, and telling you what you need to do to close escrow on time, there is very little that they can do for you.
"How should my wife and I qualify our Realtor?" -
First and foremost, by their truthfulness. If they repeat any NAR slogans, you might as well rule them out. Second, by how well they understand what you are looking for. Third, by how quickly they found what others were looking for, and what percentage the sold price (with concessions such as closing costs) was compared to the list price for all of their other recent customers. Forth, by whether most of their recent customers closed escrow in a timely manner. Fifth, by how little they "pressure" you and are there to do what you ask rather than the other way around.
No, there is no one that can do that for you. They can't sign for you; they can't "decide" for you. They can't pull your bank records for you. They can't get time off of work for you to look at properties.. They can't hire the house inspector for you. They can't pay your costs for you. They can't wire money for you. They can't authorize copies of your Federal Tax forms for you. They can't pay for the appraisal for you. They can't research various demographics in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act for you. They can't walk the neighborhood for you. They can't decide what your priorities are for you. They can't decide what neighborhoods and cities to search for you. They can't run the financial numbers for you. They can't get the house insurance for you. They can't relocate all your possessions and unpack for you.
Really, other than a "search", showing you homes, writing your offer, and telling you what you need to do to close escrow on time, there is very little that they can do for you.
"How should my wife and I qualify our Realtor?" -
First and foremost, by their truthfulness. If they repeat any NAR slogans, you might as well rule them out. Second, by how well they understand what you are looking for. Third, by how quickly they found what others were looking for, and what percentage the sold price (with concessions such as closing costs) was compared to the list price for all of their other recent customers. Forth, by whether most of their recent customers closed escrow in a timely manner. Fifth, by how little they "pressure" you and are there to do what you ask rather than the other way around.
- Cindy LaPeer ABR, e-PRO,SFR, Cdrs, "Houston Metro Pro"
- Contributions:2239
Any agent is going to tell you that they will help you find a lender and negotiate on your behalf. Some are better than others at both of these. If you don't have a lender, ask your Realtor to give you three or four names. Then ask other homeowners who they used. Talk to a few of them and see which one you think will do the best job for you. But keep your Realtor in the loop. She will undoubtedly want to speak to the loan officer you choose to make sure everything is good. While it may not be her job to find you a lender, it is her job to make sure that the person you pick is on top of things.
A good Realtor knows her clients, knows when to step up and when to step back. The team approach works well. You, your wife, your lender, and your Realtor will get far more accomplished if they are working together. Don't let anyone take control. This is your decision and ultimately you have to make the payments not your Realtor or lender.
A good Realtor knows her clients, knows when to step up and when to step back. The team approach works well. You, your wife, your lender, and your Realtor will get far more accomplished if they are working together. Don't let anyone take control. This is your decision and ultimately you have to make the payments not your Realtor or lender.
- hpvanc
- Contributions:2579
Yes many of them would love to do everything for you. The question is should you let them, since the vast majority of them are nothing but commissioned salespeople without professional qualifications or standing.
I would suggest doing your own homework, and being as fully informed as possible before even speaking to a Realtor. If you have the knowledge, you will know when you are being lied to, know when you are being given an incomplete picture, and be able to tell them NO and what they can do with such behavior. I also suggest that you figure out what you are comfortable spending then validated with a lender of your choosing, before talking to a Realtor, and then only let them know what you are comfortable spending, not what you may be qualified for (a lender that is too cozy with your Realtor may betray you and allow the Realtor to up sell you).
I also suggest that you be prepared to partially conduct your own search, their may be FSBO's that the Realtor does not even know about, as well as listings on the MLS that the Realtor may have a prejudice against for one reason or another, but if they are priced correctly may well meet your needs. Be fully prepared to negotiate your own deal.
Also don't forget that a Buyers Agent even if you sign a contract with them is still a commissioned salesperson, and that commission is not paid directly by you. So you absolutely need to consider your relationship with your Buyers Agent an adversarial relationship, unless you can negotiate a fee for professional services compensation arrangement that includes negotiating the buyers commission out of the contract or fully rebating it to you.
I would suggest doing your own homework, and being as fully informed as possible before even speaking to a Realtor. If you have the knowledge, you will know when you are being lied to, know when you are being given an incomplete picture, and be able to tell them NO and what they can do with such behavior. I also suggest that you figure out what you are comfortable spending then validated with a lender of your choosing, before talking to a Realtor, and then only let them know what you are comfortable spending, not what you may be qualified for (a lender that is too cozy with your Realtor may betray you and allow the Realtor to up sell you).
I also suggest that you be prepared to partially conduct your own search, their may be FSBO's that the Realtor does not even know about, as well as listings on the MLS that the Realtor may have a prejudice against for one reason or another, but if they are priced correctly may well meet your needs. Be fully prepared to negotiate your own deal.
Also don't forget that a Buyers Agent even if you sign a contract with them is still a commissioned salesperson, and that commission is not paid directly by you. So you absolutely need to consider your relationship with your Buyers Agent an adversarial relationship, unless you can negotiate a fee for professional services compensation arrangement that includes negotiating the buyers commission out of the contract or fully rebating it to you.
- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4699
Melanie and Patrick, your post was good until the end. Contact information is not allowed on your postings here. It is allowed on your profile page.
This is a common newbie mistake on here. Welcome to zillow and we look forward to seeing you give more helpful answers in the days to come.
This is a common newbie mistake on here. Welcome to zillow and we look forward to seeing you give more helpful answers in the days to come.
- Melanie and Patrick, "Lundgren Johnson"
- Contributions:2
We do offer a 'one-stop shop' approach. For example, a new Buyer contacted us on February 10. We communicated back and forth and
on February 12, we showed two properties to our Buyer. Buyer indicated he was interested in making an offer on one property. We called a Lender, they spoke and agreed to talk later that day so they could do a preapproval over the phone. In addition, we provided the Buyer (per his request) information on the CDD, Articles, By Laws & Declarations all related to his property. Late Sunday we prepared and signed the initial Purchase and Sale Agreement together with the accompanying paperwork with a Contingency on one item (Assn's Financials). We emailed the Offer to the
Sellers as well. On February 14 we received and provided the Contingency (Assn's Financials) and were able to remove the Contingency from the Offer. The lender emailed a Preapproval letter for Buyer. February 15 the Sellers signed and executed the Purchase & Sale Agreement. On February 17th, the Buyer submitted his Binder deposit. On February 21st, we have the WDO and Home inspections scheduled @9 a.m. which is where we are now. Not all transactions are this smooth, but we do make every effort to insure that the Buying and Selling experience is as painless for the Buyers and Sellers as possible. After all, our business is built on referrals...one after another. Call us. We will be happy to help you any way we can. [Contact info removed by moderator]
on February 12, we showed two properties to our Buyer. Buyer indicated he was interested in making an offer on one property. We called a Lender, they spoke and agreed to talk later that day so they could do a preapproval over the phone. In addition, we provided the Buyer (per his request) information on the CDD, Articles, By Laws & Declarations all related to his property. Late Sunday we prepared and signed the initial Purchase and Sale Agreement together with the accompanying paperwork with a Contingency on one item (Assn's Financials). We emailed the Offer to the
Sellers as well. On February 14 we received and provided the Contingency (Assn's Financials) and were able to remove the Contingency from the Offer. The lender emailed a Preapproval letter for Buyer. February 15 the Sellers signed and executed the Purchase & Sale Agreement. On February 17th, the Buyer submitted his Binder deposit. On February 21st, we have the WDO and Home inspections scheduled @9 a.m. which is where we are now. Not all transactions are this smooth, but we do make every effort to insure that the Buying and Selling experience is as painless for the Buyers and Sellers as possible. After all, our business is built on referrals...one after another. Call us. We will be happy to help you any way we can. [Contact info removed by moderator]
- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4699
Yes, but that does NOT mean they will get you the best deal or the best professional.
- Regina Drury, "rdrury"
- Contributions:41
A good full-time top producing agent will take you through the process from start to finish. They will have lenders that they strongly recommend that will provide great service, great rates, and low costs. After you are preapproved the top producing agent will listen to your wants and needs and find that great fit and great deal! A top producer will know a deal when they see it and will be able to guide you to what is important for future resale value. Also a very experienced agent should be the best negotiators. Next they will recommend home inspectors, pest inspectors, and a great reasonably priced attorney. A great top producer will take you by the hand and offer a smooth process with a ton of advice. I would highly recommend an agent that is closing at least 1 to 2 houses a month! That is a VERY small group of Realtors. When interviewing them, ask them to print from their MLS their sales for a 1 year time period. Most of all, make sure it's a fun experience. If you want more help, call me and I have the tools to do a search for a top producer in your area. Don't be fooled by agent advertisements! [Contact info removed by moderator]
- Darrell Self, "Darrell Self"
- Contributions:349
A great Realtor will have relationships with good loan officers that will take care of the financing end of things. You can ask other friends and relatives for a referral of an agent they have used or you can find a great agent here in your area by searching in your zip code.
Will a good Realtor (a PRO) take care of everything from beginning to end?
and How should my wife and I qualify our Realtor?
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