2007-02-11 05:36:24 · 9 answers · asked by M.D. 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
I presume you are looking to buy a home, as apposed to selling, since you are new in town.
I would suggest you call three Real Estate companies in your area and ask to talk to a REALTOR. Or you can approach 3 REALTORS by calling from their ads in local flyers. Make an appointment to meet with them and discuss your wants and needs in a new home...tell them you are looking for someone at this time who will do a great job for you and why you should choose them.
In essence you are interviewing someone for the job of representing you in a purchase. You must feel comfortable with them and feel that they will represent you in the best light.
Most successful REALTORS have testimonial letters-ask to see them.
NOTE: The top producing REALTORS aren't necessarily the best at representing you in a purchase-most of these REALTORS spend their time listing properties and not selling. They have Buyers Agents who look after the Buyers and these are usually new REALTORS to the business or REALTORS who weren't successful on their own and have joined a team.
Look for someone you feel is professional and you feel comfortable with.
Good luck!
2007-02-11 06:36:49 · answer #1 · answered by glen s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Real estate is a brutal business when the market is good. Right now, it's even worse. The #1 thing he should do is make a list of every single person he knows. Family, friends, colleagues (not in RE), etc... Literally every person he can name who would actually know who he was. Then send them all a letter with some cards letting them know he's in real estate, and that he'd like to earn their business. I believe that in most areas, fewer than 20% of agents last more than 2 years. If he wants to succeed, sitting at the office hoping his phone will magically ring will send you both to the poorhouse.
2016-03-29 02:17:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk with some co-workers or even your boss and ask them what real estate agent and/or company they recommend. Ignoring the person above, a real estate agent can really benefit you when searching for a home! YOu don't pay a dime because the seller pays the real estate commission. They do all the work and you pay nothing. They may be able to give you good advice on where to get a loan and help you with seller-paid concessions to help you out! Ask around youwon't have to wait long before someone refers you to an excellent agent!!!
2007-02-14 07:51:22 · answer #3 · answered by Paul V 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Real Estate Agent" Is Just Another Name For "Salesperson"
Don't ever lose sight of that fact. Their only mission is to sell, sell, sell to YOU. Don't ever let on that you are in a desperate situation, or that you need to sell a house fast to pay for emergency bills, or that you are in a desperate crunch to buy this house now, because you are being transferred into town this week. It's simply none of their business and as far as they are concerned, you are not in a rush to buy a house.
If you are buying a house instead of selling a house, you really don't need a real estate agent. For many savvy home buyers, the only purpose a real estate agent serves is to get the buyer past the guard at a gated community, or to unlock the key to the seller's empty house from the lock box on the front door. They also handle the closing and escrow, which can be done instead by your property attorney. But if you know you have a great Real Estate Agent who will tenaciously hunt down houses matching your criteria, it can save you a lot of time. But you do still need a good property attorney, and no matter what you do, don't let your real estate agent choose your property attorney. You choose your own property attorney on your own.
One of the biggest mistakes many home buyers make is assuming that their "buyers agent" is working for them. They could not be more wrong. Also, never let a real estate agent choose your attorney. You must choose your own attorney, not one with a cushy relationship to the salesperson who is trying to sell you a home.
What to look for in an Agent
An understanding of your needs.
A willingness to work with you until your needs are fulfilled.
A sense of professionalism.
Someone who is dedicated to their profession.
A familiarity with the area in which you have an interest.
A familiarity with the price range in which you have an interest.
Professional designations: for example, GRI--Graduate of the REALTORS® Institute, or CRS--Certified Residential Specialist.
Strong references from previous buyers.
Questions to ask a prospective Agent
How long have you been in Real Estate?
Are you a full time agent?
Are you familiar with the area in which we want to look?
How many home sales did you participate in last year?
What is the average sold price of the homes you sold last year?
Do you normally work with sellers or buyers?
How many buyers are you presently working with? How many sellers?
Where do you feel your strengths lie?
What 3 buyers that you have worked with can you give me as references?
Where to find an Agent
Be aware: If you search for homes first and contact the Agent who has a particular property listed, that Agent will absolutely represent the seller--not you.
Search newspaper and homes magazines ads for Agents who advertise that they have experience in and offer Buyer Representation.
Ask friends, relatives and co-workers about experiences--both good and bad--that they have had with specific Agents. Was the Agent easy to work with? Did they felt that the Agent was responsive to and met their needs? Would they use this Agent again?
Or, if you would like, we can also assist you in locating an Agent, whether it is in your own town or across the country in most areas of the U.S.
HomeGain has a service where you can search for Agents in your area, all done anonymously and with no obligation. You can compare experience, background and much more.
2007-02-11 07:10:12 · answer #4 · answered by 4walls 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's looking for a needle in a haystack.
My first realtor, I found in the phone book. She was horrible. When I sold the condo, I get referrals. That realtor was horrible.
Good luck to ya!
2007-02-11 06:13:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First go to the Chamber of Commerce, pick up their listing of members, wait until midnight and start calling the Realtors and leave a message for those who don't answer. For the ones who do answer at midnight, you apologize for the inconvenience, explain your desperation and beg forgiveness. ....You'll know the ones who aren't committed to selling by, who cusses you out and hangs up or who pardons you and makes an appointment to meet YOU at 4:00 a.m. ( back atcha ) The best Realtor is going to sell YOU, what YOU want...not what THEY want.
2007-02-11 05:57:27 · answer #6 · answered by twostories 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask people around town for a good reference.
What town are you in?
2007-02-11 06:08:17 · answer #7 · answered by frankie b 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask some local people. Ask your neighbors and strangers. Also call some companies and ask to interview one of their top producers.
2007-02-11 05:43:22 · answer #8 · answered by cpowers21 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ask your banker
2007-02-11 05:39:49 · answer #9 · answered by knox_mountain_guy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋