What would you're idea of a good real estate agent be? What services would they offer?

Question

I'm a realtor and I'm looking to get the public's opinion on what they are looking for/need in a Realtor.

Answer 1

Someone who knows her ropes.

The one I dealt with from Beazley left me so disappointed, I never filled out her evaluation because I did not want the negativity in her record.

I did all the searching for my house, she "forgot" to list major appliances to be included in the sale, and thought I could use a credit card check at closing.

Answer 2

In todays market Realtors are competing for your business. The bottom line is customer service. You should meet with several agents as if your interviewing them for a job. The most important trait an agent can have is integrity. All agency's pretty much offer the same serices these days. Good luck and if your in CT contact me....I can help.

Answer 3

A good agent will provide any service that you the potential buyer or seller is looking for. If you are wanting to sell a home and get as much for it as possible, you need to find an agent who will be willing to keep your listing for a long period of time, and who wont encourage you to lower the price for a quick sale. When you are buying a house having an agent who is willing to show you multiple listings through email or in person is of course important. If you already know what house you want to buy, don't bother getting your own agent, let the one listing the home represent you. That way this agent gets double commision, and is often willing to see all transitions out to there completion, possibly even taking a chunk of their commision off if you and the seller can't agree on a price.

Answer 4

I had an awful agent, so based on that experience:

1. I would like to them to know what they're talking about and not through out information without checking it first.

2. Don't push me, if it's not for me then let's move on; I'm not an uber picky buyer, but I know what I like and don't like and since this is a HUGE transaction, back off.

3. If the contract gives me 5 days, allow me to take the time to review the terms. Don't push me to respond in 24 hours.

4. If earnest money is 1%, then don't insist that I pay 5%

5. Don't ask me details about my financing if they aren't pertinent to our dealings, because it's none of your business. If I'm approved for the dollar amount and you have the letter, that's all you need.

6. Respect my time. Don't insist that we get together and then stretch 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Gosh, my agent was a moron!!!

Answer 5

Start interviewing agents so you'll have a good one when the time comes to start looking. Get referrals and select someone who knows your market and the neighborhoods you prefer. A good agent will notify you as soon as a home that fits your criteria goes on the market and stays on top of the listings on a daily basis and calls you the minute a good match shows up, especially in communities where homes are listed and pending sale in the same week, or even same day.

Pin down the basics, specifically the neighborhoods you like that will accommodate your family's needs, including commute to work, schools, recreation, shopping, and, most importantly, are in a price range you can afford.

Have an open mind. It's easy to start looking at houses and get discouraged because you don't see anything that matches your vision of the perfect house. But be open to a home's potential. Remember carpet and flooring can be replaced, walls can be painted, and a dreadful kitchen can be updated. Think about whether the floor plan will work for your family.

Find a qualified inspector. You'll want to find a qualified professional affiliated with the American Society of Home Inspectors or American Association of Home Inspectors to examine your Heating and central air conditioning systems, interior plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, foundations, and basements are among the key inspection points. Inspections may also include appliances and outdoor plumbing. The inspector will provide a report and if there are any major problems, they can be negotiated with the seller. Or you can back out of the deal altogether

Make a list of features that are important in your home

Write down desirable locations you would consider, an acceptable price range, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any other amenities. Be specific. It is unlikely that you will find a home that offers every feature you desire; however, without a wish list, it will be more difficult to recognize a home that meets your expectations.

Provide the information to your Realtor
Your Realtor will look for homes that match your criteria. This will save you time – you won’t need to look at homes that don’t fit your needs and desires. Choosing the wrong home can become a costly mistake – a home which is too large or too small for future needs; a fixer-upper when you are not handy; house that is too far from work or too close to traffic; home in the wrong price range.

A proper game plan will save you time and reduce the hassle of shopping for a home. Spend a little time in advance and save a lot of time and money in the future.

Thinking, “I can’t afford a home”

Many people feel they can’t afford a home, but affording a home has never been easier. Mortgage rates are more flexible today than ever, and the tax laws favor home ownership like no other tax shelter.

Home ownership is a durable (real) investment. Although no one can say if a specific home will appreciate in value, generally speaking, the odds favor the homeowner.

Numerous unique tax advantages are available to homeowners. The thousands of dollars you pay in mortgage interest is deductible. This tax deduction alone can sometimes make owning your own home cheaper than renting with “after tax” take home dollars.

Failing to properly “screen” your Realtor

It’s likely that you don’t often interview people. Yet, in order to find the Realtor who is right for you, you may need to interview several. The quality of your home buying experience is dependent upon your skill at selecting the best qualified person.

It’s interesting that in the real estate business someone with many successfully closed transactions usually costs the same as someone who is inexperienced. Bringing that experience to bear on your transaction could mean a lower price at the negotiating table, buying in less time, and experiencing a minimal number of hassles. Your agent should be a skilled, win-win negotiator!

You need to select an agent who guarantees his/her service. You should have the right to fire the agent if you are not satisfied – no questions asked.
Agents make it their business to provide every service connected with your home search, from expert advice in the early stages through careful monitoring of your settlement. The more closely you work with your agent, the better your needs are known and the more effectively you can be served.

Your agent should have access to the MLS system – a computerized system that will assist you in locating the home that fits your needs and desires.


The purchase of your home could well be the most important financial transaction you have ever made. The person you select can make it a satisfying and profitable activity or a terrible experience. It’s your home. It’s your money. Never hesitate to ask questions.

Failing to obtain a home inspection from a qualified inspector

The job of a professional home inspector is to look over every major part of a home and write a report that judges the home’s quality and condition.

A home inspector reports on the structural and mechanical condition of the home. After the inspection, you will have the facts you need to make a decision about buying your home.

A well-qualified inspector who has adhered to federal licensing standards can spot problems that you might not be able to see. Expect problems to be clearly explained, repair expenses closely calculated, maintenance costs estimated, and a written report delivered within a day or two.

Most contracts are written conditional on the outcome of several inspections. These inspections may include several items including inspection for wood-boring insects, excessive amount of radon gas, structural soundness, and the condition of the heating, wiring, and plumbing.

When the contract is written, it should specify who would be responsible if there is a problem with the results of any of these inspections.

If well written, home inspections can create a safety valve for both the buyer and seller. If poorly written, the result can be heartbreak or law suits.

Your Realtor should be very familiar with the laws regarding home inspections. Many people have lost the home of their choice because the agent failed to comprehend this crucial report.
Not knowing your rights and obligations

Real estate law is extensive and complex; the contract for sale and purchase is a legally binding document. An improperly written contract can cause the sale to fall through or cost you thousands of dollars for repairs, inspections, and remedies for title defects.

You must be certain which repairs and closing costs are your responsibility. You must know whether the property can legally be sold “as is” and how deed restrictions and local zoning will affect the transaction. If there are defects in the title, or if the property is in conflict with local restrictions, you or your Realtor must remedy them. Otherwise, you could lose thousands!

It is your Realtor’s job to know the laws governing real estate transactions. They are involved in an on-going training program to keep up-to-date with these laws.

You deserve to have an agent who is not only knowledgeable about the transaction, but is also willing to educate you throughout the process so you will feel more comfortable.

Failing to make your own inspection

You probably would not want to rely on the seller to point out defects in a house he is attempting to sell. There may even be hidden problems of which he is unaware.

Be sure your sales contract is worded so that any “earnest money deposit” must be returned in the event the house fails inspection. If a major defect is found, you have the option to cancel the contract and have your deposit returned, bargain for a lower price to compensate for the cost of repairing the problem, or have the owner make needed repairs before the sale.

Even before you get to the point of a contract and having a professional inspector look at the house, there are many items you can check yourself as you are shopping for a home.

Structure – Basement, check the foundation for cracks or water marks. Floors, are they level? Does the roof sag?

Water damage – Look for unevenly painted ceiling or wall; mildew odor in basement; signs of re-plastering or re-tiling in just one area of the room.

Water pressure – Flush toilet and turn on both hot and cold water faucets at the same time to test.

Plumbing – Ask what type pipes are installed and their age. If applicable, ask when the septic system was last inspected and cleaned. Stand near the tank to detect odor or soggy ground.

Wiring – A 100-amp system is typical in modern construction and uses a one-inch main line; this can be seen leading to the fuse box. Appliances such as dryer or range require a 220-amp line. Notice if lights flicker or don’t work. Check for electrical outlets . . . usually at least 2 in each room.
Energy efficiency – Ask to check last year’s heating and cooling bills. Determine if proper insulation has been used.

Pests – Be alert for small accumulation of sawdust in the basement. This might indicate an insect problem. Obtain date and results of the last wood-destroying pest inspection.