For Buyers - Selecting the Ideal Real Estate Agent

Posted By: Karen S. Smith @ 12:30pm In:   Buyers
Tags: buyers, moving, myrtle beach, firsttime homebuyers, real estate, home search, finding a real estate agent, buying a home

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Okay, you've saved as much money as you can for a downpayment and now you plan to start your search for a home in another state.  How do you choose the right Real Estate agent for you when you don't know anyone in that state?

Most buyers start their search for a new home on the internet.  There are plenty of sites where you can search (free of charge) the entire MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for a particular area (i.e. http://HomeSearchMyrtleBeach.com)  However, what do you know about the listing agent for each home you view?  Would this agent be the ideal agent for you? 

Here are a few questions you should consider when selecting your real estate agent?

• Is the agent a full-time agent?
• Does the agent know the area in which you want to buy?
• Does the agent listen to your concerns?
• Is the agent familiar with the type of property you wish to purchase?
• Does the agent have an ABR® designation?

Is the agent a full-time agent?  Choosing an agent who works full-time as a real estate agent is the smart way to go.  Part-time agents may be too tied up both mentally and physically to put your search for a new home a priority.  Part-time agents may have limited time to show properties or unable to take phone calls during the day.

Does the agent know the area in which you want to buy? Whether or not Realtors® know the area can first be determined by whether or not their MLS covers that area.  For example, the MLS for the Grand Strand area does not include Charleston.  This narrows the search.  One agent may be more familiar with Little River than Pawleys Island on the south end.   The agent should have asked you up front the area in which you want to buy.  That way the realtor can research information about the location, such as schools, new construction, etc.  Drive through the neighborhood yourself before selecting an agent and look at the real estate signs.  Which agent's name shows up the most.  If their are no signs permitted in that neighborhood, check the MLS listings in the neighborhood and check the name of the Listing Agent or company that has the most listings.  The agent who advertises the most, however, may not be the most honest, trustworthy agent.  This is only a starting point.

Does the agent listen to your concerns?  You want to be served, not sold!  Real estate agents should put your needs above theirs.  In essence, your interests become their interests.  They should not show you properties, for example, way above your price range or homes that include extras that you specifically said you did not want.  If they are only concerned with their bottom line, they have not put you first.

Is the agent familiar with the type of property you wish to purchase? Some agents specialize in one type of property.  Although in tough economic times Realtors® will most likely widen their preferences, Realtors® often find their niche in the market place.   Realtors who generally deal with single-family homes, may prefer not to deal with commercial property.

Does the agent have an ABR® designation?  Buying a home is no small matter.  For most individuals, it is the single largest financial transaction they take in their lives.  Why work with a real estate agent who is unqualified.  ABR stands for Accredited Buyer's Representative.  It requires that an agent take specialized training to deliver the best in buyer-representation services.  Plus, Realtors® with an ABR® Designation have an established track record, proven experience in representing the concerns of the buyers.  They have taken the time to specialize in how best to represent buyers.

Keep in mind that you will be traipsing through neighborhoods, often for several days, so be sure to choose a real estate agent with whom you feel comfortable.  The time that you spend with the agent will be more bearable when you have a knowledgeable and caring agent who wants to provide a service, not sell you a home.

 

 

HomeSearchMyrtleBeach.com services MyrtleBeach, North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, Murrells Inlet, Socastee, Conway, Loris, Longs, Surfside Beach, Socastee, Garden City, Little River and the surrounding areas.

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