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Are you ready to buy a home? Have you decided to work with a real estate
agent? If so, you will want to select an agent with the knowledge and
skill to find you the home of your dreams -- and someone you feel
comfortable working with, too.
First and foremost, you should choose an agent who is an expert on the
neighborhood you want to live in. What makes an agent an expert is their
knowledge of current and past trends on the sales of all different types of
homes (e.g., condos, townhomes, single family residences) in the community.
Your agent should be able to give you a listing of comparable homes
("comps") in your price range and where they are located. In addition, they
should know all the relevant local facts, including community information,
schools, taxes, resale trends and other pertinent data.
An expert agent should also have good communication skills and resources. An
agent should have access to local electronic listing services, may possibly
be part of a local agent community, and should be able to offer you basic
online or printed resources for more information on the community. He or she
should ask for and listen to your needs and desires, as well as understand
your current financial situation. You should find an agent you can be
completely open and honest with, which will save everyone time and effort.
How do you find an expert? The best way is by referral. Ask family and
friends if they can recommend an agent, or if they know anyone who can. If
you don't know anyone near your target area, look for "For Sale" signs or
visit Open Houses and talk with the agents hosting them.
Then ask potential agents how many homes they have listed for sale, or
helped a buyer to purchase in the area. Ask agents for references of clients
they have worked with in the last six months, and call those references. Ask
if the agent was effective and if they would use the agent again. Finally,
find out if an agent will give you online and community resources about your
target area. Meet the agent in his or her office and decide if you feel
comfortable working with him or her.
There are plenty of real estate agents out there, so be sure you select one
who, like Home123, will work hard to make the home buying process easier on
you!
Call
1-866-774-5172
to speak with an Expert Mortgage Consultant or apply
now
with our
Rapid Requestsm
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