- Check out real estate professional 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.
- Talk to multiple real estate professionals — There is no one-size-fits-all. I know that I'm not the agent for every buyer. The agent you choose should be able to clearly understand your needs.
- It's important that you have a good feeling when speaking to your agent. — You want a good listener and an agent this isn't eager to the point of desperation. 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.
- Ask how they hunt. — When deciding on a Realtor, ask how they search for homes. Some agents have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s best for you, not what’s best for your agent. So make sure the agent is willing to search high and low to find the best home for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.
- Learn more about the representation agreement presented to you. — The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all agents to sign a representation agreement before showing properties or having material discussions about a specific property. Be very wary of any agent that is no concerned about getting a representation agreement signed. Some representation agreements describe a rebate paid to the buyer 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. A representation agreement describes the agent's responsibilities and your obligations when a real estate agent shows you a property in Fairfax County.
The right real estate agent might work for a family business (or a Fortune-400 company), and does not have be the friend of a friend. The perfect Realtor in 20120 for you understands your needs, won't panic when facing an unexpected curve, and is easy to get along with.
Each home buyer has individual needs. Some buyers want a big lawn. Some buyers have a large down-payment.Some buyers are investors. In the same way that every purchaser shopping in Centreville is different, real estate professionals have different levels of patience and talents.
Here's my advice for picking the agent for you when your purchasing in 20120: