Thinking of buying a new home or selling the one you have? To find a real estate agent can be a tricky undertaking. Here are some suggestions to make the process as painless as possible.
Do your research. We do everything else online, shop, chat, game. Setting out to find a real estate agent is no different. Use the tools at hand, such as realtor.com®. Utilize a Realtor search, this will give you information, such as the number of years of job experience, number homes sold, average price of sold homes, etc. Realtor track records are important because they can tip you off to superstar agents and help decide what you want.
If it feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t settle. Typically, first-time buyers in Denver and beyond find a real estate agent through a friend. Would you marry the person your friend set you up with after your first date? I don’t think so. Check out other Realtors, you won’t know for sure until you see all your options.
Ask questions. This is your future and your money.
You should set out to find a real estate agent with at least 2 years’ experience – anything less can be concerning.
Most clients prefer someone who knows the area where they want to buy, whether this is an agent who has lived in the area their entire life or one who has done their research about the area.
Do they have a team or are they a standalone agent? There are many agents who work alone and do a stellar job, but don’t underestimate the value of a team. More people decrease the response time for your questions and concerns.
Do they work full-time? Working part-time limits their availability for you. You don’t want to miss out on a great property because your agent was at their other job.
Vacations? Do they have any planned in the near future? Do they have another agent who backs them up?
There are few red flags that bear mentioning
Don’t use a relative. The mindset may be that you’re a family member and will understand if they miss an appointment or put other clients’ needs before yours. Wrong.
Bypass agents who promise a lower commission. Typical rates are 5 to 7 percent of the selling price-split between the buying and selling agents. Know that commission rates are negotiable, but remember, in most cases, you get what you pay for.
Your agent should be an amazing negotiator who keeps on top of all the details associated with your transactions. Closing is a huge part of buying a house. Make sure to take care of your loan pre-approval, ensure the home you’re buying is free of liens, the appraisal is accurate, and any issues with the home inspection are resolved.
It may be a lot of information, but this is an important process and you need all the help you can get. Don’t be overwhelmed, there are places and people you can reach out to, if necessary.
Good luck and enjoy your new home.
This article is brought to you by Lending Maven Mortgage. Want to see more going on in Stapleton? Check out our Bluff Lake and Beeler Park blogs.
Tricia Houston, Owner
Lending Maven Mortgage
Colorado native and Stapleton resident
You have questions about getting a mortgage, and I have the answers
303-845-2409
