Real Estate Agent

Cubsfan · 01-04-2004, 03:15 PM

Sort of fits into Finance and Investments

Anyway, any advice on how to select a real estate agent? Seems like everyone that's purchased a house has one to recommend, but what's the best way to find one? Interviews? Not sure what I'd really ask.

pain2010 · 01-04-2004, 06:46 PM

If your looking for help or house check this place out. http://www.nationalreia.com/
My dad belongs to this, here in florida.
By the way go yo the state and the city you live in.

dbax791 · 01-04-2004, 08:21 PM

Depends on if you are buying or selling.

Cubsfan · 01-04-2004, 08:53 PM

Good point.

Should have noted that I'm looking at buying a house, not selling.

dbax791 · 01-11-2004, 09:57 AM

Sorry for the late reply.

A buyers agent doesn't really have a gargantuan task to do. Basically they have access to the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and they can take you around to homes on the market.

The key to finding a good buyers agent is to get referrals, but ask questions that indicate an agent is really looking out for the client's best interests. Financially, you don't pay them directly (comes off commission from the seller), but they have an inherent interest in getting you to a houst fast, and the most expensive house you qualify for. A good agent will put this aside, and make sure you're happy and not pressure you into a sale.

Some questions to ask referrers:

Did he/she try to pressure you into making a quick offer?
Did he/she really try to get a good understanding of what you wanted and show properties that matched?

Some questions to ask the agent:

How long have you worked in this neighborhood?
What is the resale market like for properties here (average time on market)?
What are some of the "red flags" you look for in properties that would lead you to steer me away from them? (crucial question, indicates the willingness of the agent to look out for your interests rather than just make a sale)
What mortgage lenders/home inspection companies do you recommend? (you are not obligated to use them, but good buyers agents have established relationships with partners)

Next write down a list of exactly what you want in a property. Stick to your guns, good buyers agents will show you properties that get closer and closer to your wish list rather than just show anything at all on the market hoping for a sale. For example, this was my list:

1) Price Range $XXX-XXXK
2) Square footage between XXXX and XXXX
3) Not adjacent to undeveloped property
4) Single-story
5) Yard large enough for a dog, but not too huge that requires a lot of maintenance
6) Easily maintained desert landscaping in front
7) Private backyard
8) Doesn't back up to a major street
9) Not near power lines or other eyesores

Remember, this is probably THE biggest financial decision you will make. The agent works for you, not vice-versa.

Good luck and sorry for the novel.

01-04-2004, 03:15 PM	#1
Cubsfan Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,743	Real Estate Agent Sort of fits into Finance and Investments Anyway, any advice on how to select a real estate agent? Seems like everyone that's purchased a house has one to recommend, but what's the best way to find one? Interviews? Not sure what I'd really ask.

01-04-2004, 06:46 PM	#2
pain2010 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: in the dog house. Posts: 129	If your looking for help or house check this place out. http://www.nationalreia.com/ My dad belongs to this, here in florida. By the way go yo the state and the city you live in. Last edited by pain2010 : 01-04-2004 at 06:48 PM.

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01-04-2004, 08:21 PM	#3
dbax791 Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,177	Depends on if you are buying or selling.

01-04-2004, 08:53 PM	#4
Cubsfan Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,743	Good point. Should have noted that I'm looking at buying a house, not selling.

01-11-2004, 09:57 AM	#5
dbax791 Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,177	Sorry for the late reply. A buyers agent doesn't really have a gargantuan task to do. Basically they have access to the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and they can take you around to homes on the market. The key to finding a good buyers agent is to get referrals, but ask questions that indicate an agent is really looking out for the client's best interests. Financially, you don't pay them directly (comes off commission from the seller), but they have an inherent interest in getting you to a houst fast, and the most expensive house you qualify for. A good agent will put this aside, and make sure you're happy and not pressure you into a sale. Some questions to ask referrers: Did he/she try to pressure you into making a quick offer? Did he/she really try to get a good understanding of what you wanted and show properties that matched? Some questions to ask the agent: How long have you worked in this neighborhood? What is the resale market like for properties here (average time on market)? What are some of the "red flags" you look for in properties that would lead you to steer me away from them? (crucial question, indicates the willingness of the agent to look out for your interests rather than just make a sale) What mortgage lenders/home inspection companies do you recommend? (you are not obligated to use them, but good buyers agents have established relationships with partners) Next write down a list of exactly what you want in a property. Stick to your guns, good buyers agents will show you properties that get closer and closer to your wish list rather than just show anything at all on the market hoping for a sale. For example, this was my list: 1) Price Range $XXX-XXXK 2) Square footage between XXXX and XXXX 3) Not adjacent to undeveloped property 4) Single-story 5) Yard large enough for a dog, but not too huge that requires a lot of maintenance 6) Easily maintained desert landscaping in front 7) Private backyard 8) Doesn't back up to a major street 9) Not near power lines or other eyesores Remember, this is probably THE biggest financial decision you will make. The agent works for you, not vice-versa. Good luck and sorry for the novel.

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