Finding Your Real Estate Agent

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Whether you are selling or buying a home, selecting a real estate sales professional is one of the most important decisions you will make during the process. There are some very important things you should consider when choosing a real estate professional. One of the first considerations is who the agent represents during the process.

A real estate agent is an individual who works for a real estate brokerage firm and represents your interests during the sales process. In return for the services provided, you'll pay an agreed-upon commission based on the final selling price when the sale is made. Upon completion of the transaction this fee is discharged from the proceeds of the sale.

Your real estate agent should perform the following services:
• draw up the "listing agreement" - your formal contract with the real estate brokerage firm
• explain the home-selling process to you in detail
• provide you with a comprehensive market analysis that compares your home with similar properties
• recently sold in your area (individual features, condition, asking and selling prices)
• provide advice on enhancing your home's sales appeal
• design and implement a marketing plan (including advertising schedule) to promote your home
• screen and pre-qualify potential buyers, schedule appointments and bring buyers through
• negotiate the offer to purchase on your behalf and present your counter-offers to the buyer
• generally advise you of legal and financial responsibilities
• assist you in completing the sale

You may want to interview several sales professionals before selecting one to represent you. If you are selling your home, the real estate sales professionals you interview should cover the following items during the interview:
• pricing your home
• increasing your home's value
• marketing strengths
• negotiating the sale -The seller's agent should review every offer with you and help you evaluate all aspects of each offer and its financial implications.
• an overview of the local standard Contract For Sale along with typical addenda and a copy for your review

If you are buying a home, the real estate professionals you interview should cover the following:
• agency relationships
• how much home you can afford
• the difference between being "pre-qualified" for a mortgage and being "pre-approved" for a mortgage
• key features you "must have" in your new home vs. those you would like to have
• how to evaluate and compare the homes you see
• an overview of the local standard Contract For Sale along with typical addenda and give you a copy for review
• the types of inspections you will want to have done on the property you select

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