The right real estate pro does not have be the friend of a friend, and might work for a family business (or a Fortune-400 company). Your best choice is one who listens to you, and won't panic when facing an unexpected curve.
No two home buyers have the same problems. Some buyers want storage space. Some shoppers will only be happy with a move-in ready place of residence. Some buyers need 3 bedrooms. In the same way that each shopper is unique, Realtors have different experiences and expertise.
Here's how to identify the right Realtor for you when you're purchasing a home with 1,260 sqft of living space:
- Check out real estate agent referrals. — I like Angie’s List because I know that Angie’s List voice verifies each review. You can also see if the agent or brokerage has any awards for client satisfaction.
- Interview several agents — The Realtor you choose should be able to clearly understand your needs. I once saw a statistic that 84% of home buyers in Northern Virginia choose the first Realtor they contact. This means one of two things. Either most people are choosing wisely the first time, or they're just rushing into things without comparing. Probably a little of both.
- It's important that you get along well with your real estate agent. — You don't want to have to explain the same thoughts and ideas over and over. Interpersonal skills are as important as professional skills.
- Ask them how they search for townhouses. — When picking a licensed real estate adviser, ask how they identify places. Some Realtors have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s best for you, not what’s dream for your licensed real estate adviser. So make sure the agent is willing to search high and low to find the great townhouse for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.
- Read paperwork carefully. — The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all licensed agents to sign a representation agreement before showing properties or having material discussions about a specific townhouse. Be very wary of any agent that is not concerned about getting a representation agreement signed. It's critical that you examine all documents during the home buying process, and that includes your agent's representation agreement. Some representation agreements describe hidden administrative fees of $500 to $1000 that you must pay at closing. (Our does not.)
It would be my pleasure to help you achieve your real estate goals.
