For Buyers
Pick the perfect buyer's agent
A good real estate agent does more than just help you buy a property. Your real estate agent should get to know your needs and wants as well as they know the local market (and I really know the local market) so they can match you with a home that’s perfect for you. They should smooth out the process and make the whole thing as quick and painless as possible.
When your agent takes you to a viewing, they should give you the inside scoop and help you understand any important background details about the property. They should show you all the great things about the place as well as any downsides that you might have overlooked on your own.
If you decide to make an offer, a good real estate agent will present it for you in the best possible light and make sure you come out on top if there are any negotiations. Going into a real estate negotiation without a real estate agent is like bringing a spoon to a knife fight. You’d have to deal with a seller’s agent who knows all the tricks of the trade and has a legal obligation to do the best they can for their client.
Your personal agent will protect you from the pitfalls and help you come out on top unscathed. At least that’s how I look at it.
What need to know
When looking for your new home, you need an agent who:
- Asks you the right questions and tries to understand what’s most important to you so they can truly partner with you on this journey toward home ownership.
Takes the time to explain things, answer any questions you might have and keep you in the loop. - Is a real expert on the local market with numbers and satisfied clients to back them up.
- Knows where to look for the best places that fit your budget.
Stays on top of new listings and makes sure you find out about them first. - Can counsel you on the right offer to make for your ideal home that isn’t too much or too little.
- Helps you present your offer in the best light and has the skills to handle any necessary price negotiations, conditions, dates and other details.
- Wants to save you as much money as possible and is passionate about making sure you don’t overpay.
- Has contacts they can recommend to help you with home inspections, moving and other important nuts and bolts.
Your average real estate agent won’t necessarily bring you all these extra services. According to my many satisfied clients, I offer the complete package. My clients often tell me how grateful they are that I go the extra mile to bring them professional expertise.