Finding A Real Estate Agent
Whenever you buy or sell real estate, you may be similar to millions
of other people out there, in feeling that you don’t need a real
estate agent. Most people who buy or sell homes, generally think that
a real estate agent is a waste of money. Those who choose to buy a new
home, think that real estate agents only add to the cost of purchasing
the home.
What most people aren’t aware of, is the fact that real estate agents
are usually paid by the seller, not by the buyer. As a buyer, you’ll
get to work with a professional real estate agent without really
having to pay for it yourself. The policies can vary greatly from
state to state and company to company, which is why you should always
check any paperwork or contracts that are provided to you to ensure
this is the case. When you are interviewing agents, make certain to
ask about any type of fees as well.
A lot of real estate agents out there may well work with both buyers
and sellers, even though most specialize in working with either the
buyer or the seller. If you are buying a home, make sure that the
agent you choose has prior experience of working with buyers and
transactions that involve no money down. This way, you can count on
your agent to be there when you need him the most - especially if you
don’t have a down payment.
If you are interviewing a real estate agent and he or she isn’t
familiar with down payment assistance programs, you shouldn’t sign up
for their services. Agents who aren’t familiar with these types of
programs generally aren’t on the level, or they may lack the
experience necessary to help you purchase the home of your dreams.
You can also make a list of real estate agents that you can interview
based on referrals from friends, lenders, and even family. Lender
referrals are generally a great choice as most lenders have worked
with their recommendations in the past and both are already familiar
with each other. Choosing a lenders referral can also prevent you from
encountering any obstacles or surprises.
When you interview a real estate agent, make sure that you have the
agent clarify his fees. This way, you’ll know exactly how much he will
be getting from the purchase. You should also find out how much skill
he has in the field, and how long he has been working with real
estate. You can also ask about sample contracts as well. If you are
buying a home, you should make sure that the agent works with buyers.
If you happen to be selling your home, then you’ll want to make sure
that the agent works with sellers. Agents that are dedicated to one or
the other are the best to choose, as they will have more experience
than agents who work with both buyers and sellers.
Find a real estate agent is an easy task - given that you know what to
look for. If you take things one step at a time and thoroughly make a
decision, chances are that you’ll end up with an agent who has the
experience you want. You should always be careful when you choose, and
never rush the process. Real estate agents are easy to find, although
finding one who fits your needs and has your budget in mind is a
little tougher to locate. When you make that final decision, you
should always choose an agent who has your best interest in mind - and
isn’t just after the money.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob Schwartz, is a Certified Residential
Specialist, CA licensed real estate broker with
www.Brokerforyou.com. Bob
has over 27 years of residential real estate experience, authored a
number of published articles and served as an expert witness for
San Diego lawyers. You can contact
Bob via e-mail at bob@brokerforyou.com or visit his highly popular
San Diego real estate website at:
http://www.brokerforyou.com
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