Choosing real estate representation is probably the most important part of your real estate transaction. This is true whether you are buying or selling, and for many reasons, most notably, that a home purchase or sale can be your biggest investment. Don't trust that to just anyone!
As you also probably are starting to realize, there are a lot of Real Estate agents out there. If you have a strong working relationship with a full-time agent you trust and respect, then you have what you need. If not, then please take the time to carefully choose representation, considering the following factors:
Knowledge. Does the agent have a thorough understanding of real estate, contracts, inventory, the local community, issues, etc.?
Full-Time vs. Part-Time. Real Estate is a full-time, time-consuming profession, and to do it right, it should be all an agent does. An agent who does Real Estate part-time, and loans or anything else the rest of the time, be that effective. Would you go to a doctor or lawyer who had a second job? Don't confuse this with an added skill set an agent might have. For instance, if an agent has a design or marketing background, that is a benefit for you.
Relationships. Does the agent have good working relationships with, and the respect of other agents, lenders, escrow and title people, etc? Ask for references, as these are the people that you and your agent will be working with to successfully complete your transaction.
Negotiating Skills. This is one of the reasons you hire an agent...to negotiate on your behalf. Find out how an agent negotiates, because how they negotiate for themselves will tell you how they will negotiate for you.
Patience Make sure the agent you choose has the patience to take the time to clearly explain every aspect of the contract, process and transaction to you. After all, you are the one living with what you buy, and what you sign your name to.
Honesty & Integrity. Your relationship must be based on trust and respect. If you don't feel that you can absolutely trust an agent, keep looking, no matter how good the rest of the package seems.
Friends. This is a tough one. Everyone has at least one friend in the business. Ask yourself if this is the best person to represent you. If they are, based on your thorough evaluation, then choose them. However, if they aren't, ask yourself if you would be willing to damage or lose that friendship if something goes wrong with the transaction. Besides, a good friend will want what best for you.
I would appreciate the opportunity to be interviewed for the job and honor of being your Real Estate consultant and agent. I bring nearly 30 full-time years of experience, hundreds of transactions, and the respect of my colleagues and affiliates, to the table. I will work to help you reach your real estate goals. Let's talk about what's important to you. If we end up working together, I will do my best to deliver beyond your expectations. Thank you, and I hope to speak with
At Your Service,
Paul Hurst
Associate Broker
Prudential California Realty
