Your best choice in Alexandria probably isn't a pushy individual, and may have less experience. The right agent for you is not afraid to tell you the truth (even when you don't want to hear it), and has the flexibility to work on your schedule.
Different home hunters are facing different challenges. Some shoppers don't plan on selling. Others need to move in 4 years. Some purchasers can can only afford $712,405 while others are willing to pay $787,395 for the same semi-detached home. Some home buyers are military. Realtors are like purchasers, real estate professionals have different patience and persistence.
Here's a several ideas to advise you prefer the dream Realtor for you when you're purchasing in the City of Alexandria:
Check out licensed real estate adviser referrals. — I like Angie’s List because I know that Angie’s List voice verifies each review. You can also see if the agent or brokerage has any awards for client satisfaction.
Interview several real estate professionals — The Realtor should have time to interface to you. If you pick the most popular Realtor in Alexandria, you might find yourself working with a junior associate affiliated with that agent. The Realtor you choose should be able to clearly understand your needs.
Your agent should be someone you won't mind spending some time with. — You don't want to have to explain the same thoughts and ideas over and over. We all have unique personalities, and that's the way it should be. But when working with someone professionally, if helps if their personality “meshes” well with your own.
Find out how each real estate pro identifies properties. — When picking a agent, ask how they seek semi-detached homes. Some real estate agents have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s best for you, not what’s ideal for your Realtor. So make sure the real estate agent is willing to search high and low to find the great semi-detached home for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.
Find out more about your representation agreement. — The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all licensed agents to sign a representation agreement before showing properties or having material discussions about a specific home. Be very wary of any agent that is not concerned about getting a representation agreement signed. Some representation agreements describe a rebate paid to the purchaser at closing. (Nesbitt Realty offers rebates.) You'll want to read the fine print to make sure that this rebate isn't pulled away at the last minute. It doesn't hurt to have a legal adviser take a look at your representation agreement, but usually that's not necessary. The document is pretty straight forward.
Julie at White House
I’m your local expert, Julie Nesbitt.
Julie Nesbitt is an ABR who has served buyers in some of Alexandria’s most exclusive neighborhoods. She is a top producing agent who has listed and sold property in Northern Virginia. In addition to helping folks buy, sell and rent property in Northern Virginia, Julie is the primary administrator of the property management services performed by Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. Call Julie at (703)765-0300.
