If you are planning on selling your home and purchasing a new property, you'll need to acquire the services of a real estate agent. With so many realtors out there, it can be a bit daunting figuring out which agent is the one for you. Before you head into that first meeting with a realtor, consider asking them a few important questions.
First of all, ask about experience and qualifications. Certainly a realtor who has been working for 25 years might not be any better than a realtor with just a few years of experience, but it gives you some idea about their level of experience. Your realtor also might hold special designations such as GRI or ePro or CRS, and all of these initials mean that your realtor has attained a higher level of training beyond the basic amount needed to become a licensed real estate agent. There are many other special designations, and your realtor probably will be happy to share what he or she has earned beyond the basic requirements.
Experience is certainly a plus, but the bottom line can be a better indicator of your real estate agent's expertise. For instance, how many homes has he sold in the last six months and how many has he listed? If most of the homes listed have sold and sold fairly quickly, this can be a good sign. However, ask about the final prices. Sometimes homes sell quickly because they are priced very low in order to get a quick sale. You might prefer to keep your home up for sale longer to see if you can earn a bit more on the sale, so make that clear to your agent. It's also a good idea to make sure that your agent is familiar with your neighborhood and the price range of your home. If they usually sell homes that are much more expensive or much less expensive, they might not be the best person to sell your home.
Selling a house is stressful, but a good realtor can certainly make it all a lot easier. Ask your realtor about their plan to sell the house. Will there be open houses, and if so, how many? What listing price is recommended and how did your realtor decide upon that price? Be sure to ask for some good comps in your price range and neighborhood. Also take a look at these homes and see how your home measures up to the competition. It's also wise to ask your realtor about advice about staging your home for buyers.
If you are buying a home but not selling a home, the process generally is much easier. You do need to make your requirements and budget clear to your realtor, and it is also wise to come in pre-qualified for a certain loan amount. Create a checklist of items that are must-haves as well as things that you'd like to see in your new home. Also add in a few items that are deal-breakers. The more your agent understands your needs and wants, the more smoothly the process will flow. However, you rarely find a house that meets every item on your checklist, so it helps to be somewhat flexible.
If you are in the market for Livermore real estate, Pleasanton real estate, San Ramon real estate or Dublin real estate, contact the real estate experts at 1stInSite.com. They specialize in helping you buy or sell homes in Alameda County and Contra Costa County. They can help you through the entire process, making it easy for you to find the perfect family home.
First of all, ask about experience and qualifications. Certainly a realtor who has been working for 25 years might not be any better than a realtor with just a few years of experience, but it gives you some idea about their level of experience. Your realtor also might hold special designations such as GRI or ePro or CRS, and all of these initials mean that your realtor has attained a higher level of training beyond the basic amount needed to become a licensed real estate agent. There are many other special designations, and your realtor probably will be happy to share what he or she has earned beyond the basic requirements.
Experience is certainly a plus, but the bottom line can be a better indicator of your real estate agent's expertise. For instance, how many homes has he sold in the last six months and how many has he listed? If most of the homes listed have sold and sold fairly quickly, this can be a good sign. However, ask about the final prices. Sometimes homes sell quickly because they are priced very low in order to get a quick sale. You might prefer to keep your home up for sale longer to see if you can earn a bit more on the sale, so make that clear to your agent. It's also a good idea to make sure that your agent is familiar with your neighborhood and the price range of your home. If they usually sell homes that are much more expensive or much less expensive, they might not be the best person to sell your home.
Selling a house is stressful, but a good realtor can certainly make it all a lot easier. Ask your realtor about their plan to sell the house. Will there be open houses, and if so, how many? What listing price is recommended and how did your realtor decide upon that price? Be sure to ask for some good comps in your price range and neighborhood. Also take a look at these homes and see how your home measures up to the competition. It's also wise to ask your realtor about advice about staging your home for buyers.
If you are buying a home but not selling a home, the process generally is much easier. You do need to make your requirements and budget clear to your realtor, and it is also wise to come in pre-qualified for a certain loan amount. Create a checklist of items that are must-haves as well as things that you'd like to see in your new home. Also add in a few items that are deal-breakers. The more your agent understands your needs and wants, the more smoothly the process will flow. However, you rarely find a house that meets every item on your checklist, so it helps to be somewhat flexible.
If you are in the market for Livermore real estate, Pleasanton real estate, San Ramon real estate or Dublin real estate, contact the real estate experts at 1stInSite.com. They specialize in helping you buy or sell homes in Alameda County and Contra Costa County. They can help you through the entire process, making it easy for you to find the perfect family home.
About the Author:
Madeleine Glazier enjoys writing about the real estate industry. If you are looking for licensed real estate Pleasanton CA agents, or to find San Ramon CA real estate agents, please go to the 1stInsite.com website today.
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