As a Realtor I obviously deal with fellow agents on a daily basis. Since becoming an agent I have had many experiences that make me reflect on how I choose to live my life as an agent. I would like to offer a bit of guidance for anyone hiring a real estate agent. I think an outline explaining what most customers look for in an agent is sometimes necessary to guide an individual through the process of choosing the right person for their needs. Here are just a few key point to consider when hiring a real estate agent.
1) Interview more then one agent. Choose an individual that works well with your personality. You will be working with this person through what can be some very serious negotiations. Make sure you find the right fit. Don't just settle on the first agent you come across. Referrals from friends and family are always helpful but sometimes the agent they used may not be the agent you should use. We obviously love referrals but I feel we should work for each and every client. Sometimes personalities just don't mesh well. A real estate transaction is a long process. You will develop a relationship with your agent that can last for months, even years.
2) Find a real estate agent that will return your calls in a reasonable time frame. Most agents will do this but I have come across a few complaints in my time period. I have also had experiences with agents that have not returned my inquires while in a contract with the party they represent. Please do understand that calling an agent at 11:00 at night is often not acceptable. Find out what the agents guidelines are when you interview them. Do they return calls at a specific time each day? Do they prefer all correspondence to be both via email and by phone. I often prefer both since I have a specific written request for help. I can look back at this document throughout the transaction always referring to it at any time needed. I try to always be of assistance to any party interested in buying or selling. I don't have set times for inquires but I do leave details if I am not going to be available. As an agent I expect to work weekend and evenings. If I have a previous obligation I explain this to my clients. I feel they deserve this explanation since often I am dealing with their most precious investment.
3) Ethics. Please find an ethical agent. Don't use an agent that will lead you into a purchase. This is your decision. Often you look to us for guidance that we are not allowed to provide. You ask us what we think you should offer (we give you comps and then you decide). You ask us what we think you should sell for (again this is what comps are for). Our duty is to educate you not to make a decision for you. Any agents that does in violating the laws. An example that is simple would be when you are purchasing a home and need an inspection. Most of us do not hire home inspectors on a daily basis so you naturally ask you agent who they would recommend. My answer would be to give you 3 parties that can and will do the job. I would not give you the name of an inspector that I know has done a terrible job for a client in the past yet it is not my job to choose the party that you will be employing. We can have no influence over these types of decisions. Another great example would be picking a title company. Again it is our job to advise you of your options not make the decision for you. Many of you could really care less and to be honest most title companies are great yet this is ultimately your decision 100%.
4) Commissions are always negotiable, not set. Ask the agent you are interviewing what they are charging you for the sale of your home. Most buyers representation is free. If they say the standard is 6% then they are making a statement that is not true (there brokerage may however have a minimum that they cannot go under). We have no commission standards since this practice is against the law. Tell the agent what you feel you would like to pay them. They may or may not work for that price. Please remember that they do have to offer a buyers agent commission (typically 3% yet again it is not set) since the majority of sales require a payment for the buyers side. Most homes are sold by a buyers agent that represents the buyer. The buyer and their agent have located your property due to your agents successful marketing plan.
I hope anyone who reads this will seriously consider several interviews before hiring an agent. Need a third party to help you interview??? Have us refer you to an agent that is qualified. We can set up interviews and remain a fixture in the process throughout your transaction. We work in real estate nationwide but practice in 3 main markets. This blog is displayed under our Galveston Tx real estate website. We also practice in San Antonio, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Please feel free to add what you expect out of your real estate agent. Add any experiences that may be helpful to other like yourself. Would love for fellow agents to contribute as well.
Thanks for your time.
Christina Stevens
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