Choosing Your Realtor
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bill_Biko]Bill Biko
As many of you know, I have been a proponent of owning your
own home, especially in the great economic times that we
have been going through in Alberta. As first time home
buyers there are many challenges out there ranging from
qualifying under the stricter current guidelines, to
choosing the right area to buy, to understanding the whole
process of home ownership?
One person who can help you many aspects of this is a
Realtor. A professional Realtor who has become successful in
his or her field has never done this without having become
very educated about the process, the area and even the
pitfalls involved. An extra advantage of their experience is
also the contacts they have developed over the years with
mortgage brokers, Real Estate lawyers and possibly even
contractors to further help you with your purchase.
As a current home owner interested in upgrading, downsizing
or even changing neighborhoods, choosing the right Realtor
can be even more important. Now you will potentially be
dealing with one individual as you are selling your home and
possibly again after you have sold your property and are
ready to purchase your new home. In today's buyer's market,
I highly recommend you sell your property prior to putting
any offers out on new properties!
Home purchases can be the single most expensive purchase
most individuals ever make. Due to this, there are some
important considerations you must be aware of when choosing
your Realtor.
Don't choose a Realtor because they are a friend or
relative. These qualifications alone do not ensure they are
going to be the right person for you to work with. If your
cousin in Airdrie is a Realtor, they likely have very little
idea of what the Chestermere market is like. Do choose a
Realtor familiar with your area. If they are already
familiar with properties listed in the area and what is
taking place in the local market, they will have an
immediate advantage on a Realtor from outside the area.
Don't choose a Realtor who has the most listings. Just
because they have generated a huge amount of listings
doesn't mean they are able to sell properties. This may
indicate their whole marketing program is based on acquiring
listings and then having other Realtors sell for them. Do
choose a Realtor who has a high ratio of sales versus
listings. Wouldn't you rather have a Realtor who listed 15
properties and sold all 15 versus someone who listed 100
properties and sold 20?
Don't choose a Realtor who has the lowest commission. You
tend to get what you pay for, and if the Realtors commission
is too low, they may not have enough money in their budget
to properly market your home and will have to take
shortcuts. Do choose a Realtor who has an entire marketing
program. Experienced Realtors have created systems for
marketing your home that help ensure your home gets the
correct exposure and create interest with not only buyers,
but also other Realtors.
Don't choose the Realtor who provides you with the highest
initial selling price for your home. Some Realtors are
simply out to get listings and this is one of the easiest
ways to do it. In a month when the property doesn't sell,
the next step is a price reduction and you are a month
behind. Do choose a Realtor that can provide you with a
detailed analysis of why they feel your property is worth a
certain value. Also, ensure they have a complete list of
properties they are comparing yours with, not just a
handpicked list of the best or highest priced properties to
help inflate the selling price.
Buying and selling a property are huge emotional and
financial decisions. Make sure you do all the homework
necessary to make the right decision and choose the right
people to help you with this decision.
Bill Biko http://www.investors.housez.ca
Helping people become involved in Alberta Real Estate and
generating wealth while they sleep.
Find
A Realtor®-
Evaluate top-performing local REALTORS®
and compare their experience and sales commissions.
A
REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a
member of the
National Association of REALTORS®.
-
Evaluate top-performing local REALTORS®
and compare their experience and sales commissions.