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How To Choose An Agent

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Working With Your Agent

Selecting the right real estate professional to help you buy or sell your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible experience, you should consider an agent's experience, personality and responsiveness in your overall evaluations.

Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your agent.

How to choose an agent

1. When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth financial and physical transition. So don't slack off - decide what is most important to you, and then find a full-time professional who specializes in this field.
   
   Does location matter most? Do you need a townhouse with a garage? A four-bedroom home? A condo? A corner lot? Room for Fido to run free in the yard? No yard? Perhaps cost is your main concern. Or timing. Whatever you decide, the HomeTeam, Jack Pearce and Al Leonard are full time REALTOR professionals, here to help you.
    
2. Ask friends and family members for referrals.
    
3. If you've found the general area in which you'd like to move, do an informal survey by driving through neighborhoods and viewing yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up time after time may indicate that person is a specialist in the area.
    
4. Once you have your list narrowed down to about three real estate professionals, schedule interviews. Agents may ask to meet at your home if you are selling. If you are buying, expect to meet the agents at their offices.
    
   1. If selling, ask the agent how he or she would establish a price. You may request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the actual market value of similar homes in the area.
       
   2. If selling, ask the agent how he or she would market your property.
       
   3. 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 office hours and whether or not you will be invited to access them via a cell phone, pager or e-mail.
       
   4. Ask how long the agent has been in real estate. While time is not the most important factor, it may demonstrate the agent's experience.
       
   5. Ask about awards and designations.
       
   6. 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 agent has not listened carefully to your needs or having your home on the market too long because the wrong buyers are being targeted.
       
   7. Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Do they require a percentage of the sales price, do they work for a flat fee, or will they be paid by the seller (if you're the buyer)?
       
   8. If you are unsatisfied with the agent's plan or personality, thank the agent for taking the time to meet with you, and repeat the process with another agent. It is time-consuming to meet with multiple agents, but it's worthwhile to find the right one.

Once you've found the right agent to represent you, hold up your end of the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your agent get you the best deal.

How to work with your agent

1. The agent's real estate office can say a lot about him or her. Is it organized or cluttered? When is it open? Does the office schedule make it easily accessible? Is the office clean?
    
2. Your agent is an authority you hire to help you make the right decisions, but when push comes to shove, you have the final word.
    
3. Hiring an expert will give you the best advantage. Although many agents work their real estate businesses part-time, Jack Pearce and Al Leonard are industry professionals who can provide their complete attention and expertise. This is an enormous advantage for buyers, sellers and investors.
    
4. Buying a home is likely to be the biggest single investment you'll ever make. Invest wisely.
    
5. Remember that home values fluctuate with the economy.
    
6. Call the HomeTeam, Jack Pearce and Al Leonard.