If you have read the article Why Appoint a Buying Agent, then you already understand why the first step in finding your dream home is to select and appoint a professional agent.
Working with a buyer agent is worth consideration since he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction and obviously, the more closely you work with one agent, the better your needs are understood, and the more effectively you can be served.
Not all real estate agents are the same and you need to thoughtfully consider why one agent and not another. Below are some issues to consider before making that decision;
- Are they full time, career professionals or will they look to your needs part time
- Have they received comprehensive trainining in working with buyers such as property Network agents undergo
- Are they linked to a reputable firm whose name speaks for itself. The old adage that success breeds success holds very true in this industry. For more information PROPERTY NETWORK go here.
- Do they have some track record of achievement in the field? Does their office or company have a record of accomplishment – good teams are important
- Are they willing to freely provide references from previous clients – are these references fairly recent.
- Are they concerned about your needs as a buyer or only in making commission
- Are they prepared to listen to you and give proper and professional advice
- Does the agency have their own dedicated website for marketing and providing service to clients
- Do they use other electronic media forums such as Facebook, Twitter etc for marketing and finding buyers and available stock.
- Are they prepared to freely share professional information and resources by means of a Website such as this, a Blog, Newsletters and other means
- Do they have an entrenched sharing and buyer referral system within the company
- Have they established a good network – are they well connected in the real estate industry
Although this meant not making commissions it was the right advice for the intending buyer and a measure of our true integrity and approach to client service
It is this provision of proper advice and professional service that can make all the difference to a major decision in your life.
Also consider the following ;
- Moving out of town or even overseas? A Foreigner nuying in SA? Then using an agent from Property Network ensures you have access to an international network that can take care of your needs from both ends with global accountability. This site will provide you with further information if you fall into that category
- Ask the agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations.
- Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in, because the real estate agent has not listened carefully to your needs.
- Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Does he or she require a percentage of the sales price or work for a flat fee? Will the agent be paid another way? Most times however, the seller will be paying the commission
Finally, remember your real estate agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right decisions, but you have the final word. Your residence is likely to be the biggest single investment you'll ever make. Buy and sell wisely.
If you would like to get the ball rolling and appoint ine our our agents to start finding your dream home for you, you may contact them here. Otherwise read on.
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