The most suitable Realtor is not always the one with the most sales under his or her belt, and is not necessarily the one related to you.
Your best choice is easy to get along with, and is more concerned with your needs than the agent's needs.
Each purchase transaction has unique hurdles to overcome. Some buyers want a big lawn. Some property seekers have credit issues. Some purchasers love the fact that Nesbitt Realty will rebate them $1,128 when they use me to purchase 5300 Columbia Pike #613. (Others couldn't care less.) Every shopper is an individual; in the same way, Realtors have different faculties and talents.
Here's my tips for shopping the right real estate professional for you when you're buying in Arlington:
- Check out real estate professional 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.
- Speak with a few real estate agents — The Realtor you choose should be able to clearly understand your needs. I once saw a statistic that 84% of buyer clients in Northern Virginia choose the first real estate agent 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 measuring all options. Probably a little of both.
- It's important that you get along well with your agent. — You want a real estate pro that “gets you”. You will probably be working with your real estate agent anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so it helps to get along with them.
- Find out how each agent identifies properties. — When selecting a Realtor, ask how they seek places. Some Realtors have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s ideal for you, not what’s perfect for your Realtor. So make sure the licensed real estate adviser is willing to search high and low to find the dream home for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.
- Make sure you understand what you sign. — The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all licensed agents to sign a representation agreement before showing properties or having material discussions about a specific residence. Be very wary of any agent that is not concerned about getting a representation agreement signed. Some representation agreements describe hidden administrative fees of $500 to $1000 that you must pay at closing. (Our does not.) It doesn't hurt to have a lawyer take a look at your representation agreement, but usually that's not necessary. The document is pretty straight forward.
Think of Nesbitt Realty for buying, selling, renting and property management.
