Whether you’re buying or selling real estate, having the right real estate agent on your team can be extremely rewarding, both financially and personally. Real estate agents are trained to analyze the marketplace, be aware of what the competition is like, and take care of the mounds of paperwork involved in any real estate deal.
Choosing the right realtor is key to the ease of what can be a very stressful time. The right agent will be someone you can trust, someone you connect with, and someone who will understand your needs. Don’t be afraid to consult with several different agents until you’ve found the one that feels like he/she can be on your team.
- Many people feel that real estate agents are not worth the fees they charge. Here are a few things to remember:
- The realtor’s fee is split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent, reducing their commission by half.
- Realtors must pay for their office space and office expenses, including their telephone costs.
- Advertising costs come out of their commission
- Realtors drive nicer vehicles because the clients expect it, not because they are filthy rich. Gas, insurance, and maintenance costs are higher than average. (Who wants to go house-hunting in a rent-a-wreck?)
An agent acting on your behalf needs to have your cooperation in order to do their jobs properly. If you are a prospective buyer, be considerate by being on time for your appointments. Have a clear idea of what your criteria is, so that you haven’t sent your realtor on a wild goose chase. Consider any advice they may offer. When trying to sell your home, keep track of when all your showings are. Leave the house if you can, so that the clients can talk and move about freely. And of course, make very sure that your home is as clean and tidy as possible. If you are trying to sell a rental property, it is very important to let your tenants know that if they choose not to cooperate with the showings, they risk receiving an eviction notice. Your agent will have to work extra hard to ensure that tenants have received proper notice, and some tenants are very good at denying that they’ve gotten any notice at all!
There are a few things you can do to make house-hunting more comfortable and pleasant. Bring along some drinking water. Wear slip-on shoes. Leave yourself plenty of time. Your realtor will appreciate having happy clients.
Having the right realtor and keeping a positive attitude will make this demanding time a less stressful experience. And possibly make you a new friend as well.