Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Is a real estate agent right for you? How can you get the most out of using a real estate agent? What questions should you ask when looking for an agent? While it may be hard to answer such questions, a little research can shed some light on all of the ins and outs of real estate, including working with an agent to buy or sell your home.

This section covers important information about finding the best real estate agent for your needs. We'll explain how you can get help with finding a home by using a buyer's agent, and how a real estate agent can help you sell your home easily. We'll also explore the situations you might encounter when working with a dual real estate agency and discuss the differences between a home that is for sale by owner and a home listed by a real estate agent.

Finding a Real Estate Agent
Choosing the right real estate agent can be a difficult and confusing process. However, working with the right agent may help you sell your house or locate your new home easily and quickly.

Before you being the process of selecting a real estate agent, you should ask yourself what you expect from your agent. You'll want an agent who is aware of the market conditions and active listings in your area. A good real estate agent is also familiar with neighborhoods, school zones, crime rates and more. In addition, you'll probably want to choose an agent who knows about financing options.

You should look for a real estate agent who will keep your best interests in mind while you search for a home. Thus, you'll need to find someone with whom you feel comfortable, and who listens to you and asks questions about what you want out of the process.

Buying a house is a complicated procedure, and the services of a good real estate agent can make the process much easier. To find a real estate agent who meets your needs, you should know which services to expect. Is your real estate agent a good match for your needs? Do you want to find a real estate agent who is also a REALTOR®?
What to Expect From a Real Estate Agent
Find a real estate agent who is aware of local market conditions, neighborhood profiles, local tax laws, school zoning, crime rates and anything else that might affect where and when to buy a home. A good real estate agent should also be able to guide you through financing your purchase.

A real estate agent acts as a liaison between the buyer and seller. In addition to business days, most real estate agents work evenings and weekends as well. Many are also on call in order to be completely accessible to their clients.

You'll want a real estate agent who has your best interests in mind. Look for a real estate agent with whom you're comfortable, and who is willing to listen to you and ask questions to learn more about your needs. A good real estate agent is willing to inform you if your house goals don't match your financial assets, and will provide you with an accurate picture of your buying power.

Here are some other things to consider when looking for a real estate agent:

*Closing knowledge: Make sure your real estate agent is able to properly finalize the contract.

*Experience: Experienced agents will have gone through several similar transactions, resulting in a smoother process. Furthermore, experienced agents will be able to efficiently negotiate the best possible price for you.

* Resources: You want your real estate agent to have all the possible resources, from for sale by owner (FSBO) listings to access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The more resources your agent has, the easier it will be to find a home.

Is Your Real Estate Agent at REALTOR®?
All real estate agents must meet state-regulated licensing requirements, but not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is a real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors. As a member, the REALTOR® must abide by a strict code of ethics, which includes treating both the buyer and seller with complete honesty.

A registered REALTOR® is expected to have a more complete knowledge of real estate than a standard agent, and can often access information unavailable to an agent who isn't registered.

Buying a Home
Buying a home can be an exciting process. In the past, most buyers had to go through the steps alone, as real estate agents primarily represented the sellers. Today, however, people looking for a home can enlist the help of a buyer's agent. These agents are committed to helping people find the house they want for the best price possible.

If you choose to use a buyer's agent, you can expect her to do many things, including calculate the market value of houses compared to sellers' asking prices, tell you about new listings, and assist you through the entire home buying process.


Selling a Home
If you're selling a house, a real estate agent is indispensable. A good agent will be able to provide you with an accurate appraisal of your home's market value, and compare your house to other listings on the market in order to get you the best possible price for your home. She should also be able to draw people to your home by using various marketing techniques.

A good real estate agent will also be able to tell you what home improvements you should complete before putting the property on the market. Suggestions may include:

* applying a new coat of paint to interior and/or exterior walls
* cleaning up your yard
* ridding your house of clutter.

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