Choosing a Realtor in Santa Clarita
Choose wisely and not by chance.
Studies show that most home buyers and sellers find their Realtor by accident. Your experience is probably the same. Usually you have reacted to an advertisement for a home that appeals to you, and often that is the agent that has ended up representing you in your final purchase and often also the sale of your home. Most people assume that their agent is also a Realtor. This is not always the case.
Who is a Realtor
A Realtor is a real estate professional who has agreed to abide by the professional standards and code of ethics outlined by the National and Californian Association of Realtors. Even though the title “Realtor” is used rather broadly by the public not all real estate agents or brokers are Realtors. Ask if your agent is indeed a Realtor.
- You want someone who knows the community, understands the dynamics of the market of that community, and someone who has previewed and knows the different homes that are currently on the market. What you want to look for is a Professional that knows and works in, and has experience in, the particular community of your choice.
- You want the best advice and counsel possible when purchasing or selling one of the biggest investments you make.
- Choose an agent/Realtor who is Internet savvy
- Select a real estate professional who is also a certified e-PRO agent as well as a Realtor. What is meant by e-PRO certified Click here to find out.
- Do be aware that an agent that found a home for someone in a community more than 5 – 10 miles away from the one you are considering, may NOT be the best choice either. Every Realtor working within the area covered by the local Multiple Listing Service can show you houses or even list your home. But, do they KNOW your area of choice in such a way that you will not be making a serious mistake. Be sure your Realtor knows the area in which you are buying or selling.
- The Internet today is an excellent source for locating agents. However, as you may have already found out, the web sites of many agents are very much the same – offering cookie cutter menus and often very little content. If you search enough, you will easily recognize sites that are different. Let your fingers do the walking and look at as many sites as you can. If a site offers a lot of information and the agent seems concerned about informing home buyers and home sellers, and offering service, then you probably have found an agent that is a better choice than one who only talks about how they are “Number One” or has a site that just repeats the same things other sites have. You should be the focus of the agent, not the agent be the focus of the agent.
- Be sure the Realtor you choose is knowledgeable about the area in which you are buying or selling.
- Calling a Listing Agent from an advertisement is how many people “choose” their Realtor. Please read the section on dual agency to understand how this affects the way in which you are represented. Most real estate transactions have situations that arise that require your representative to act in such a way as to protect your best interests. If your agent has divided loyalties between you and his/her seller of the home you are interested in buying, it may lead to mistrust and problems down the line. Be sure that you know who the Realtor is representing. If an agent is already representing a seller in a listing, do they have a true loyalty to you as the buyer or is it now diluted or even preferential.
- Responding to Ads or Mailings is another very common way to meet an agent. Is that agent a seasoned agent and Realtor or not Ask before committing to them.
So, my best advice is, and as was eloquently stated in the Indiana Jones movie, “choose wisely” and understand your options. Pia Soper is a season professional, helping buyers and sell homes in Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch, Saugus, Castaic, Newhall, Agua Dulce and Acton, as a Realtor, and e-Pro and is Internet savvy.
When is a Real Estate Professional a REALTOR
When they are a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. The Voice for Real Estate — the world’s largest professional association.
The term REALTOR is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today’s 750,000+ members. NAR is composed of REALTORS who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS. They can join one of our many institutes, societies and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. REALTORS are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Working for America’s property owners, the NAR provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.
Please call Pia if you have any further questions at 661.645.5556