The perfect agent for you is not necessarily flamboyant, and is not always the one with the most sales under his or her belt. The dream Realtor can think creatively to make the deal happen, and wants to find a property that appeals to you (rather than to the real estate pro).
Here's a some ideas to guide you pick the best choice of licensed real estate adviser for you when you're purchasing a Colonial-style with 0 sqft of living space:
- 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 pros — You sometimes need to see the townhouse you don't want to buy to feel comfortable with the home you will acquire. It's the same with Realtors. You don't have to exhaust yourself talking to agent after agent, but at least interface with two or three to see who you're most comfortable with.
- Your real estate professional should be someone you won't mind spending some time with. — You want a Realtor that “gets you”. You don't want to have to explain the same thoughts and ideas over and over.
- Ask the Realtor his/her process for finding townhouses in Centreville. — When deciding on a real estate agent, ask how they search for homes. Some real estate pros have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s ideal for you, not what’s great for your real estate agent. So make sure the agent is willing to search high and low to find the most compatible Colonial-style for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.
- Read paperwork carefully. — The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all licensed agents to sign a representation agreement before showing properties or having material discussions about a specific abode. 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. Some representation agreements describe a rebate paid to the buyer client 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.
We’re here when you need us. Our real estate agents love to help clients achieve their real estate goals! I’m a local expert on Northern Virginia real estate.
