Choosing an Agent
Choosing an agent can be a difficult process. Unless you have a referral, you don't know the person, how they perform their business or their work style.
There are a number of things you might consider when choosing an agent:
- Agent Experience
- Years of experience can influence the ability of your agent to "see around corners" for potential problems
- Years of working with buyers and sellers affords the agent the knowlege required to meet key milestones in contract execution
- Agent Qualifications
- Educational experience can influence how an agent makes decisions.
- Field experience also makes a huge difference. If your agent knows construction, landscaping or other attributes of home ownership, he/she can alert you to issues before getting into contract or before you shell out several hundred dollars for a home inspection.
- Agent Attitude
- It has been said that "attitude is everything". It may sound funny but someone that get's things done, goes the extra mile and is someone you feel you can work with is important. You're going to spend countless hours with this person so you need to make sure you feel comfortable with them and how they conduct themselves. Home buying or selling can be a very emotional process.
- Licensing & Law
- In the state of California you must be a licensed to practice real estate on behalf of someone. Agents work for brokers.
- Real estate contracts have grown exceptionally complex over the years with many riders to cover almost any concievable situation. You'll want to make sure you have an agent that understands and can explain all the terms in language you understand.
In addition to the agent themselves you'll want to evaluate the firm and their business practices. You should be able to get timely, straight answers to your questions whether you are a trying to purchase your home or are selling one. Some things you may want to consider are:
- The Firms Systems
- Some firms have fance web pages and some don't but the reality is that all agents and brokers use the same MLS system. Some brokers subscribe to multiple MLS systems for wider geographic areas.
- The key is in how agents use the MLS system tools like a buyer portal or showing statistics for sellers.
- The Firms Processes
- Process as mundane as it is, can be the key to a succesfull, smooth transaction. This includes things like appropriately reviewing contracts, making sure all disclosures are served and signed, ensuring escrow is updated at all times and actually following the processes that are defined.
- The Firms Qualifications
- The firm should be investing in technology and process improvement
- The firm should sponsor training for agents so they stay on top of current law and new developments in the field
- The Firms Reach
- Some real estate firms specialize in small areas and some have multiple offices that cover wide geographic areas. Make sure your property manager has the right reach to meet your needs.