Contact A REALTOR®

Buying real estate is a hugely complex business transaction.  It involves not only the purchase of one of the largest assets most will ever buy or own, but hundreds of details which are critical in terms of their cost and their liability.

With all the unique opportunities and potential pitfalls of the current market, it’s even more important for you to contact a professional in the field.  Because REALTORS®, i.e. real estate agents who are members of the largest trade organization, the National Association of REALTORS®, are held to a higher standard than your average agent, it is in your best interest to choose a REALTOR® once you’ve definitely decided to buy.

In choosing a REALTOR® to guide you through the property search, financing, negotiation and transaction processes, you should consider their local market knowledge, experience and track record.

A few tips on how to find a great real estate agent –

• A referral from a friend, family member or colleague is always best – but explore what it is the referrer liked about the person.  Make sure it isn’t simply because he or she is their brother or mother-in-law!
• Online through various searches or websites – but be sure to check references and not go with someone just because they have a fancy website.
• Local marketing – though beware, a self proclaimed “neighborhood expert” may be neither a neighborhood expert nor a quality professional.
• Optimally, find a great agent at a great company.  I work for the best company Coldwell Banker (read why Coldwell Banker is the best real estate company). That said, while the company is important, the quality of your agent is more important.  It is better to have a great agent at a not-so-great company than a lousy agent at a great company. The transaction from start to finish is predominantly in your agent’s hands, not in the hands of his or her company.

As your agent spends time with you, she will begin to get what’s truly important to you.   A perceptive agent will read between the lines, sometimes picking up on priorities you didn’t even know you had.  A good agent will save you money and protect your interests.  A good agent wants you to be thrilled with your home not just on the day you close and get the keys, but 2 months and 2 years down the road.  Buying a home is a major journey, sometimes through treacherous waters – make sure you are choose your co-captain carefully.

Read previous installments here:

The home buying process – Overview

The home buying process – Step 1: Define, Research, Plan

And subsequent installments here:

The home buying process – Step 3: Pick a Lender and Get PreApproved

The home buying process – Step 4: Find THE Home