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Finding a Realtor
Choose wisely and not by chance
Who is a Realtor?
How to find a Realtor
What is an e-PRO?
My experience has been 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.
How to find 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. 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.
Referrals from friends and co-worker are an
excellent way to make a choice. However, 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".
You should be the focus of
the agent, not the agent 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.
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.
Please call me if you have any further questions at
661.645.5556 |
