Like any other profession, there are good real estate agents… and, sadly, there are also bad real estate agents. But how can you know if your real estate deal is being handled by a dreamboat or a dud?
Consider some of the chores and activities that a really excellent agent will manage for a client, then apply what you’ve learned to your own agent to see if you have a good agent (or not). If you don’t have time to track out everything a professional agent should be doing for a buyer or seller, we’ve developed a list so you don’t have to.
ASK YOU ABOUT YOUR HOMEOWNERSHIP NEEDS (AND HOPES)
Making assumptions is risky at the best of times, but when it comes to buying a property, they are downright dangerous. So, if your agent assumes… everything, be alert.
A competent agent will ask you a lot of questions about where you’ve lived, what you liked and disliked about the house and community, where you work, how long you want to stay, your future family plans, and more. All of this is for the greater good of assisting you in finding the ideal spot and potentially disclosing a neighbourhood or property type that was not previously on your radar. So, if your realtor isn’t asking you a lot of questions about your homeownership needs and wants, that’s a red flag.
GET YOU PRE-APPROVED
In terms of pre-approval, a reputable agent will assist you with this as well. Not every client will require it, but some will welcome the extra assistance. Agents can provide you with an idea of what realistic sales prices are, and they can also put you in touch with professionals like mortgage brokers or even credit counsellors to assist you get in the greatest position to buy.
GIVE YOU FEEDBACK ON THE NEIGHBORHOODS
A qualified real estate agent will be able to answer all of your questions and explain how one neighbourhood compares to the others. You’ll probably have questions about everything from where to buy groceries to where to walk your dog to what people do on weekends, and your real estate agent should be able to help you find the answers.
HELP YOU FIND A HOME
An agent should set you up with an MLS feed that will notify you when a home that meets your criteria enters the market — and agents should also assist you in devising backup plans if the going becomes difficult in your price range.
PRICE THE HOME CORRECTLY
This is one of the most important responsibilities that your agent will perform for you as a seller, and if they don’t do a good job, you might lose tens of thousands of dollars. Pricing the home correctly from the start is critical to selling it quickly and for fair market value.
NEGOTIATE AN OFFER
A real estate agent’s worth is demonstrated on the negotiating table, and you should expect nothing less from your representative. A real estate agent is your guide on the route to buying a home, from deciding on an offer price that appears fair to all parties to inserting conditions and defining a schedule. This is where a smart agent really shines. This is a major issue if your agent is not actively involved in the bargaining process. You are entitled to representation in this home sale transaction.
Another Blog to Read: Questions You Need to Ask Before Selling Your Home
HELP YOU PICK AN INSPECTOR
When a buyer is financed for a home loan, the lender will want to know that the investment is sound – that the house, for example, does not have any severe difficulties. That is where the inspector enters the picture, and the inspector must enter the picture before closing. Your real estate agent should assist you in finding an inspector and answer any concerns you have about the inspection’s fee.
FOLLOW UP TO SEE HOW THE MOVE WENT
When all is said and done, and you’ve moved most of your belongings from one home to the next, the agent’s job is essentially done, right?
Maybe some agents, but a superior agent understands that your life is still in flux and will follow up to ensure that everything went properly with the relocation. Did you leave anything at your previous residence? Do you require assistance with cleaning and settling in? A reputable agent will ask you these questions and assist you in resolving any issues that arise as a result of changing your residence.
OFFER HELP FINDING CONTRACTORS
As previously stated, all homes decay — thus you can anticipate to have to perform some repairs on your new home at some point, even if the inspection revealed that everything was in ideal condition. But who do you call to inspect your plumbing or landscaping? Ideally, you’ll already have a list of local contractors in hand that your agent supplied for you when you moved in, but if not, your agent should be able to assist you with this as well. So ask!
KEEP IN TOUCH
If someone asks you after three or four years whether you can refer them to your agent and you can’t even remember your agent’s name, don’t be too disappointed; it’s usual for clients and real estate agents to lose contact over time.
However, the top agents make it a point to stay in touch with their best clientele. A excellent realtor would contact out to assist you celebrate your homeownership anniversary, ask how you’re doing, and generally keep you informed of any emergent housing needs.
Thinking about BUYING or SELLING a Home,
Richi Khanna can help you and if you have any questions in regards to real estate, then you must call Me today at
647-997-1281
What Are You Waiting For?
CALL RICHI NOW!
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