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How to Find an Honest Real Estate Agent

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 06 October 2020 06:53

How to Find an Honest Real Estate Agent

 

 

How To Find an Honest Real Estate Agent if you are buying or selling a home

Let''s face it.  Real estate agents get a bad rap.  But there are some very fine real estate agents out there helping buyers and sellers every day, and doing a great job at it   You just have to find them.  So how do you find an honest real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home?  Good question!  Let's go on.

 

Look Online

One of the first places to start your search is online.  Everyone is online today scouring listings, reading ads, news, whatever.  It's only natural that you would look for a real estate agent online, as well.  Go ahead and look, but be smart about it.   A lot of people say a lot of things but that doesn't always make it so.  Check your facts.

 

Get a Recommendation

Everyone has a cousin or a friend who is a real estate agent.  Trust me, I hear it all the time.  The fact is most agents do not work at it full time.  They are part timers and, as such, are not really in the trenches every day.   They may not be able to help you if a problem arises or even know how to write a contract.  You want an agent who works at it full time.

You need a REALTOR® who really knows the market - not only the market but the local market you're looking to buy or sell in.  I stress local here.   I can't tell you how many times I see agents take listings and buyers from over an hour away.  It doesn't help the buyer or the seller for several reasons.

First, if the agent is not local, they are often not familiar with the local market.  For example, we had an appraiser come to do an appraisal on a house in a community with many subdivisions.  Although the square footage is similar on all the homes, some of the subdivisions consistently sell for more.  That's just the way it is.  In this case, the appraiser was from out of the area and - you got it - his appraisal came in $ 60,000 too low.  He used comps but he wasn't familiar with the local area.  Same thing with real estate agents.  If they are not from the area, how would they know houses sell for more or less n certain subdivisions within a neighborhood?  They wouldn't!  So as a buyer or seller, this doesn't benefit you in any way.  It's a negative to you.

It's a negative to you even if they promise it will save you a few bucks.  Buying a home is not the time to be penny wise and pound foolish, as they say.

 

 

Not All REALTORS® are Created Equal

Not all real estate agents are created equal.  Many people do not know that.  All real estate agents are licensed to sell real estate but not all real estate agents are REALTORS®.

To be a REALTOR®, you must belong to the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to the Code of Ethics.  There are 17 Articles within the Code of Ethics .that include Duties to Clients and Customers, Duties to the Public and Duties to REALTORS®..  As a REALTOR® you must promise to adhere to the Code of Ethics and pay a yearly fee.  As a real estate agent, you do not have to adhere to anything.

So to find an honest real estate agent, it would be my suggestion to go with a REALTOR®.  Of course, you still have to talk with them but more about that later.

 

 

Read Reviews to Find an Honest Real Estate Agent

After you find a great real estate agent who looks like they might be a good fit, read their online reviews. They are posted everywhere from Google to online portals, their websites and more.  And while we're talking websites, that brings me to my next point.

You want someone with a heavy online presence today.  Why?  Because the days of reading paper newspapers are slipping away.  By the time you pick up a real estate magazine, those ads are two weeks old.  The houses have been on the MLS and property portals for two weeks.  You want someone with a heavy internet presence because they can promote your listing if you're a seller.  If you're a  buyer, having a buyer's agent with a heavy internet presence let you know they're up on the times.

 

 

Talk to Real Estate Agents

You may get lucky and  hit it off with someone on your first call..  You just never know.  You have to have a gut feeling that this is right, and it probably is.    Be prepared to talk to a few agents.  See what each has to offer.  See who you feel more comfortable with.  After all, you will be in this together from  beginning to the end and, most likely, long after.  You need to trust this person, this agent, and you need to like them.  Do you get a sense they're honest, have integrity and will work hard for you?  You should because that's very important.

 

You need to be compatible with your agent, be on the same wavelength, so to speak.  Some people just naturally hit it off and with others, it's a struggle.  Buying or selling a home is stressful enough.  The last thing you want is to work with someone you don't get along with or someone you can't reach.   Go with your gut.  You can tell if an agent has integrity and is honest, two traits that should be high up on your list.

 

Is Your Real Estate Agent Accessible

Accessibility is another thing to be looking for when looking for a great agent.  Is this person accessible?  We live in a world that is 24/7 these days.  Please understand, I'm not telling you to call your agent at 3:00 am, but you want someone you can reach on weekends or in the evenings if you need them.  Not someone who turns their phone off at a certain time or returns calls between 11:00 and 12:00 and 4:00 and 500 pm, or will return the call within 24 hours.  Seriously?!

Real estate agents should be accessible to their customers and clients.  Realizing it is a stressful time for buyers and sellers, agents need to be compassionate, have empathy and patience.  Sometimes buyers or sellers just want to talk - something is on their mind.  Will this agent be there for you?  It may not be that second but someone who returns your calls and texts in a promptly manner.  Someone you can count on.

Find out if your agent works alone or you will be working with a team.  If you feel comfortable with your agent, and they work alone, they will be with you every step of the way.  Some agents prefer to work as part of a team.  What that means to you as a buyer or seller is that you may not speak to the agent you hired afterwards.  You will get passed off to each member of the team as the transaction progresses.  If you prefer working with one person, make sure your real estate agent works alone and will take you through the entire transaction.  Just because you're comfortable with one agent doesn't mean you will be comfortable with each member of the team.  This is a personal choice you have to make.

 

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent for New Construction

Yes, yes and yes!  I can't this stress this one enough.  You're a buyer going into a builder looking to build or buy a new construction home.  Sure, the builder will help you or the sales people in the office will help you.  But remember, they're there to sell houses for the builder.  They are not working for you, the buyer.   They don't care if you buy in one community or another, which lot you take, what you spend and so on.  If you're thinking new construction, do yourself a big favor and hire a buyer's agent.  It will cost you nothing, will help you and may save you some money.  Builders do not negotiate, so please don't think you're going to save on the commission - you're not.

 

Summary of How to Find an Honest Real Estate Agent

While real estate agents have a bad rap, you can still find a REALTOR® with integrity, one who is honest, transparent and will be on your side.  Someone who is willing to go to bat for you either as a buyer or seller.  You deserve it.  Why settle for less?

 

 

 

 If you are interested in selling or buying a resale or new construction in an active adult 55+ community in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach or Boca Raton FL or a pet friendly gated community in Boca Raton, please contact me.  I can be reached by Cell/Text at (671) 716-7824 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

How To Find an Honest Real Estate Agent whether you are buying or selling

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Elyse Berman, PA

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