Dublin Realtors: Everywhere you
look, there are advertisements for Real Estate, and for Real Estate Agents.
We're everywhere! The reason is pretty simple: It's not extremely difficult to
get your real estate license, a college degree is not required, and the income
potential is pretty high. Unfortunately, this means that there are a lot of BAD
Real Estate Agents out there. The BEST way to find a good professional - in any
industry - is to ask for a referral from a trusted friend or colleague.
This
does not, however, mean that any person referred to you is a quality
professional - everyone has a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or cousin who is in
the business, after all - but it will increase your odds.
There are a few
questions that you should ask ANY Real Agent before signing a buyer's agency or
listing agreement.
1) How long have you been in the
business?
Pretty much any
average person could decide they want to get their license today, and have that
license in their mailbox a month later. Because of this, your Real Estate
Agent's experience is VERY important. A new Agent will learn a LOT their first
year, and will continue to learn more with every transaction. Don't
automatically choose against a newer Agent - they typically bring a lot of
energy to the transaction, and they will have LOTS of time for you. However, if
you do decide to use a newer Agent, make sure they have a great support system
behind them.
2) Are you a Realtor?
Not all Real
Estate Agents are Realtors. Members of the National Association of Realtors
have to adhere to a strict code of ethics, or otherwise face having their
membership revoked. Also, you must be a member of the National Association of
Realtors to have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) which is what
gives Realtors access to almost every home for sale in their market area.
3) What certifications do you hold?
There is an
"alphabet soup" of advanced certifications that Real Estate Agents
can earn. While it doesn't automatically mean that they are a good Agent, it
does mean they are serious about their job. Keep an eye out for GRI - this is
the most time consuming certification to obtain.
4) What is your specialty?
Real Estate
Agents typically categorize themselves as either "commercial" or
"residential" which are vastly different. Even among Residential Real
Estate Agents, though, agents will specialize in Buyers, Sellers, or Renters (San Ramon Realtors).
Some Residential Agents successfully handle Buyers & Sellers, but make sure
they come with plenty of satisfied customers. Agents typically cut their teeth
working with renters.
5) Can I have a list of past customers?
Take the time to
call a few of an Agent's past customers. Ask for their strengths and weaknesses
(and make sure they don't share the Agent's last name.)
6) Who is your Broker? Can I call
him/her?
Real Estate
Agencies are moving towards the "mega-brokerage" mentality which
means that many Agents today have never met their Broker. If an agent doesn't
have their Broker's cell phone number, find out who they will call if they run
into questions.
7) How many sales did you complete last
year?
A good agent
will complete at least 25 sales per calendar year. You want to make sure that
the agent helping you through the largest purchase or sale of your life is a
GOOD agent.
8) Is this your full-time job?
It always
surprises me how many people are willing to let their office mate down the hall
handle the purchase or sale of their home. You need someone who handles real
estate transactions full-time, day in and day out, to make sure that your best
interests are taken care of.
There are plenty
of fantastic Real Estate Agents working today. Unfortunately, the incompetent
Agents really stand out. (Did you hear about the Agent who contracted the wrong
house?) Make sure that you find your Agent through a trusted source, and ask
any Agent these important questions.
We are also one of the leading
Real Estate Company based in Danville CA
And we have helped Tons of
clients to find their dream home so feel free to
Call us
Phone: 925-895-9585
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Premier Realty Group 4115 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, #100 Danville, CA 94506