| Navigating through today's maze of properties for sale | | | | you are in the process of buying a larger home with a |
| can be tricky. Having a realtor who not only knows the | | | | yard for your expanding family, you probably don't |
| area, but can also gauge what type of home is best | | | | want to be dealing with an agent that focuses on |
| for you, is essential. But how do you choose the most | | | | downtown condominiums. Conversely, if you are |
| qualified person for your quest? | | | | looking to downsize in your retirement years, having an |
| Often word of mouth is a good way to start. Do you | | | | agent that has sold suburban homes for 30 years |
| have friends who had a positive experience with a | | | | may not be ideal either. |
| local realtor? If not, try to find a realty company that is | | | | Don't be afraid to switch realtors if you see warning |
| known for great customer service. | | | | signs that this person does not have your best |
| Having a good rapport with you realtor is key. Open | | | | interests in mind. |
| and honest communications will help both of you be on | | | | * Are they trying to talk you into a purchase of a |
| the same page when looking through the list of | | | | home where you don't feel 100% comfortable? |
| properties available. Additionally, choosing a good | | | | * Do they take more than 24-30 hours to return your |
| realtor will save you a lot of time and frustration. | | | | calls? |
| Make a list of exactly what you are looking for - | | | | * Have you been notified that this realtor is also helping |
| proximity to your job, schools, price range, and floor | | | | to sell the same house he is encouraging you to buy? |
| plans desired - so your realtor has a clear idea of | | | | Ensure you are getting the best deal possible with both |
| what type of house to show you. If you find that most | | | | sides represented by one person. |
| of the properties your realtor is taking you to are | | | | While you can't judge a book by its cover, keep an |
| unacceptable, it may be time to revisit what you had | | | | eye out in the area you want to live for realtors that |
| originally expressed, and clear up any | | | | have good marketing programs. Bus benches, large |
| miscommunication. You may also have to examine | | | | ads in newspapers, flyers and various radio or |
| whether your expectations of available homes are | | | | television commercials show that this realtor is serious |
| within the price range you can, or want to, afford. | | | | about his business. |
| Agents often have a niche that they specialize in. If | | | | |