- Check out real estate pro 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.
- Speak with a few agents — I once saw a statistic that 84% of purchasers in Northern Virginia choose the first Realtor they contact. This means one of two things. Either most people are choosing wisely the first time, or they're just rushing into things without measuring all options. Probably a little of both.There is no one-size-fits-all. I know that I'm not the Realtor for every property seeker.
- Your real estate pro should never have an irritating personality. — You will probably be working with your real estate pro anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so it helps to get along with them. Professional expertise is an important criterion when choosing a Realtor in the City of Alexandria.
- Ask the Realtor his/her process for finding homes. — When deciding on a real estate professional, ask how they shop homes. Some Realtors have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s best for you, not what’s ideal for your licensed real estate adviser. So make sure the real estate pro is willing to search high and low to find the right house for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.
- The devil is in the details. — The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all licensed agents to sign a representation agreement before showing properties or having material discussions about a specific house. Be very wary of any agent that is not concerned about getting a representation agreement signed. It doesn't hurt to have a lawyer take a look at your representation agreement, but usually that's not necessary. The document is pretty straight forward. This advice is heavily used for a reason.
The perfect Realtor for you is not necessarily flamboyant, and does not have be the friend of a friend. Your best choice in Alexandria doesn't get hurt feelings if you have a different opinion, and won't panic when facing an unexpected curve.
Every purchaser has different needs and different budgets. Some shoppers want a big lawn. Some home buyers don't plan on selling. Others need to move in 4 years. Some purchasers need help selling their current home in addition to buying a new house. Every home buyer is unique in the same way, real estate agents have different areas of focus and specialties.
Here's a several ideas to guide you prefer the right real estate pro for you when you’re purchasing in Alexandria:
