|
For most of us, the purchase or sale of a home is one of the largest transactions we will ever make and is best done with the assistance of a professional. If you are looking to buy a home, a REALTOR ® can help you determine how much home you can afford, suggest ways to save the down payment and explain alternative financing methods. If you are selling your home, a REALTOR ® can help you set a realistic selling price, pre-qualify potential buyers and help negotiate the best price for your home.
So how do you go about finding a qualified REALTOR ®?
First of all, you may want to ask for referrals from relatives, friends or neighbors who recently bought or sold a home. If they were pleased with the service their REALTOR ® provided, chances are you will be too. Try to find out as much as possible about their home buying or selling experience. What kind of service did they receive? Would they choose this REALTOR ® or real estate company again? If you are selling your home, look for sale signs in your neighborhood. You may want to attend open houses to observe agents in action. You can also get leads by reading the real estate ads in the newspaper or browsing through the complete listing of homes on our site. Once you have narrowed your choice to two or three REALTORS ®, consider the following factors.
Knowledge of Your Neighborhood
If you are selling your home, look for a REALTOR ® who is familiar with your neighborhood. Your REALTOR ® should be able to prepare a detailed competitive market analysis which compares your home with others in the neighborhood that have been listed for sale or have sold in recent months. When dealing with potential buyers, your REALTOR ® should also be able to point out the benefits your community offers, including nearby schools, shopping areas, local services and facilities, and community organizations.
Client Testimonials
Do not hesitate to ask for a list of references. Client testimonials can be the key to finding a REALTOR ® who can provide the level of service you want and need. While many may recommend working with experienced REALTORS ®, new agents can provide equally professional service. For new agents, it often depends on the training and support they receive from their broker, as well as the kinds of marketing resources available through their firm. If you are selling your home, ask for the number of homes the REALTOR ® has sold in the last three months and ways he or she will market your home.
Specialty Designations and Affiliations
Not every agent is a REALTOR ®. Unlike many real estate agents who are licensed by the state, a REALTOR ® has taken additional steps to become a member of a Board of Realtors and has agreed to adhere to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics. Membership in the Austin Board of REALTORS ® obligates members to be fair to all parties involved in transactions. Some REALTORS ® earn designations in special areas. The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and the Graduate, REALTOR ® Institute (GRI) designations reflect additional education and experience in the residential field. Once you’ve made your selection, take time to get to know your REALTOR ® and ask for a written commitment that outlines the services you can expect.
http://www.austinhomesearch.com/findarealtor/howselect.shtml |
