Choosing the Right Realtor
When choosing a Realtor, the first thing to realize is, whether you are Buying or Selling Real Estate this most likely will be one of the largest cash investments that you will deal with, in your lifetime. Some people move several times, some only once. The secret is to make it a stress free transaction as well as a good investment.
The six topics that should be addressed when choosing a Realtor are:
#1 Agency: Who is working for who? Whether you are buying or selling, the Realtor you choose has a legal obligation to you to disclose whom they are working for. The Buyer, the Seller or both. This is the most important piece of information you will receive when reading this report. This alone can save you thousands when Buying or Selling. Knowing full well that the person negotiating for you is working solely on your behalf.
#3 Communication: People Like To Be Kept In Touch With. This is the single biggest complaint from both buyers and sellers. Both buyers and sellers agree that most realtors don't listen and are very poor at communication. Before choosing a realtor ask them what their action plan is for selling your home or if purchasing, do they have a homefinders service that puts the best deal in front of you, often before most realtors even know the property is for sale.
#4 Technology: Is Your Realtor Using Leading Edge Marketing Strategy, Including Internet. Technology is no longer a gimmick; it is a major sales tool. Coldwell Banker to date takes 60,000 calls a week off our Web Site, alone. Most buyers and sellers now expect a higher level of expertise when it comes to marketing properties. Buyers are surfing the Internet sites looking for best buys and incentives to purchase their next home. The sign on the lawn is no longer enough. It has now been proven that between 75 to 80% of Buyers start their home search on line.
#5 Company and Years of Experience: Choose a company that not only has an excellent reputation and is well established but also a Realtor that is full time and 100% dedicated to his or her profession. Coldwell Banker at present has over 2400 offices across North America with about 60,000 sales people. These people constantly refer business back and forth on a daily basis through one of the best referral net works in North America.
#6 Referrals or Endorsements? Is your Realtor willing to let you talk to people he or she has worked with. Do not be afraid to ask your Realtor whether you are buying or selling for a list of their sellers with phone #'s or past clients they have sold homes to or for. Like a good restaurant, people can't wait to tell you if it was a good experience, also they have no problem, telling you if it was a bad experience.
