Real Estate Agent: Choosing The Best One Article

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Real Estate Agent: Choosing the Best One

Whether you're buying or selling a house, the best deals are made with the help of an experienced real estate agent.

Author: Andrew Stratton

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Buying or selling a home is a huge time and financial investment that can create stress and anxiety. Inexperienced buyers and sellers often make the mistake of doing it alone, losing money and falling into legal or other hardships along the way. Don't make such monumental decisions without expert guidance. Employing a real estate agent can save you money, time, and heartache.

Unfortunately, choosing a real estate agent can be more confusing than choosing a home. Although you may be tempted to open up a free real estate booklet and choose according to portrait, (look for the obligatory agent with cowboy hat) you'll want to take your time and interview a few different prospects before making your decision. Here are some questions to ask and the answers to expect.

1. How long have you been working in real estate and with this agency?
Let's face it—experience is invaluable. When buying or selling, you want to hire an expert, not a novice. You also want someone who has been with an agency for a good amount of time, or at least has been in the area for many years.

A realtor that knows the location well gives you the upper hand in seeking property and making negotiations. Newly licensed realtors can be helpful if you're seeking trendy hotspots, but be sure that they are well versed in legalities, or at least are not afraid to ask for help from mentors.

2. How much?
This might be a good question to save until the end, but it is important. Realtors are expert negotiators, so the first percentage they quote doesn't have to be set in stone.

For buyers, it varies between %1 and %4. Sellers generally pay more depending on if they must cover the buyer's agent as well. Don't be afraid to haggle and don't be afraid to decline an offer and move on. There are plenty of great realtors, especially for buyers, who can be talked down.

3. Why should I choose your agency?
It may sound hard, but what makes this realtor so special that you shouldn't just walk down the street to the next one? There is no shortage of realtors, especially in big cities. If you're buying, are they going to put in enough time?

Will they scoff if you're picky? How good are they at negotiating? How much time can they devote to your search? For buyers, how aggressively will they market your real estate? How many clients do they reach? Do they have an online presence? You should feel confident and secure that the realtor is going to devote enough time and energy to the job.

4. Can I see a few references?
The answer to this question should be a resounding yes. They should supply you with phone numbers and emails of non-related, professional references that can adequately vouch for the real estate agent's professionalism, as well as their personality and work ethics.

Don't be afraid to ask these and many other tough questions to potential real estate agents. A good agent will not take offense and readily provide you with all of the answers you need.

About Author

Choosing a good real estate agent is as good as choosing a good real estate in Asheville, North Carolina? An experienced realtor that knows the location guides you in seeking property and making negotiations. Search for one in your area on the site here www.preferredrealestatecenter.com.

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Real Estate Agent: Choosing the Best One