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Choosing
a Realtor is like making any hiring decision. It should be
done with deliberation and not just the agent you met at a
party or your Aunt's friend who dabbles at it in her free
time. This is the person who will be your representative in
managing a very important sale, and someone you will rely
on heavily.
Four key factors to consider in hiring
an agent are as follows:
1. Do you like the candidate? For
at least a short while you will be dealing with your agent
regularly, sometimes in phone conversations several times
a day -- you had better like them!
2. Do you trust their judgement?
Your agent will be in a position to interpret the negotiations
and make judgements as to what "the other side"
may or may not do. You must also feel the utmost confidence
that they have your best interests at heart and that they
are paying attention to the market; not misguiding you as
to relative values.
3. Are they qualified? Selling
real estate is like any other profession; it takes a full
time commitment, you obviously wouldn't go to a part-time
lawyer or doctor. It also takes a strong foundation, both
academic and professional, to provide the very best service.
Look carefully at the candidate's resume and discuss their
commitment/availability with them.
4. What is their standing in the real
estate community? Is your agent respected and liked among
other Realtors? Will other Realtors welcome the opportunity
to work with your agent? Will they volunteer information about
properties and their clients to your agent, or avoid being
involved with them? These things may sometimes be difficult
to ascertain but can have a large effect on your real estate
experience. An agent with good relations in the brokerage
community has access to information that may prove crucial
in negotiating the best deal for you.
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