Choosing a Sarnia Real Estate Agent
If you think buying or selling a home is a simple matter of cruising open houses or posting a “for sale” sign on the front lawn, consider the following: Do you have access to every home for sale in the neighborhoods you’re interested in? Do you have the time, energy and resources to research the housing market? Can you market a property effectively? Can you read real estate contracts and, if selling a home, do you understand your legal obligations toward buyers?
Fact of the matter is, buying and selling real estate can be complicated, not to mention the biggest financial decision most people ever make. With so much at stake, working with a professional real estate agent can help locate the right property at the right price, or negotiate the best deal possible on your home sweet home. But how does one choose a real estate agent? Here are a few helpful hints:
Start by interviewing real estate agents from a number of different agencies. Good agents have multiple qualifications and many years on the job. Have there been any complaints filed with the City Board of Realtors? Lastly, how much does their personality match with your own? Having a good personality fit will ensure your real estate agent is patient, and understanding of what you’re seeking in your future home.
Do they know the neighbourhood? Is the agent familiar with the housing market in the areas you’re looking to buy or sell? Agents with a history of transactions in neighborhoods that interest you will know what’s available and in what price range. If you’re listing your property, a good agent will know the market well enough to set an optimum asking price attractive to both seller and buyer.
Real estate agents have access to a powerful tool –the Multiple Listing Service (M.L.S.) that has listings for all available properties by region. A skilled agent will use the M.L.S., in addition to their own experience, to locate homes in neighborhoods matching your property wish list — such as a quality school system, number of bedrooms, convenient shopping or close transit access.
Will you be receiving good customer service? Since a real estate agent is your trusted business partner in a huge financial move, you’ll definitely want to choose an agent who is always ready, willing and available to show you properties, make recommendations, and be flexible as per your schedule. Be sure that communication stays open throughout your engagement, and that phone calls and emails are returned. Top agents often employ assistants to handle much of their legwork. If this is the case, be certain your agent is the one present and accounted for when it comes time to check the contracts and close the transaction.
Know what you’re signing. Take the time to read through all of the fine print if asked to sign a working contract with an agent.
Find Sarnia Real Estate through Linda Miller, one of RE/MAX Sarnia Realty’s top ABR certified real estate brokers. We’ve been helping clients find sarnia homes for over a decade.
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