The perfect licensed real estate adviser for you does not have be the friend of a friend, and might not be a local.
Your best choice is more concerned with your needs than the Realtor's needs, and gets how to work with the budget you establish.
Every home buyer has different needs and different budgets. Some purchasers are buying a first home. Some home hunters want storage space. Some home buyers love chalets-style homes. Others do not. Every buyer is an individual; in the same way, Realtors have different areas of focus and skills.
Here's collected clues for identifying the best agent for you when you're buying in Fairfax County:
Check out Realtor 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.
Take a minute to talk to a couple of Realtors — You don't have to exhaust yourself chatting with agent after agent, but at least chat with two or three to see who you're most comfortable with. I once saw a statistic that 84% of shoppers in Northern Virginia choose the first real estate pro 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 weighing all options. Probably a little of both.
Your Realtor should never have an irritating personality. — You want a Realtor that “gets you”. You want a good listener and a licensed real estate adviser this isn't eager to the point of desperation.
Find out how each licensed real estate adviser identifies properties. — When picking a Realtor, ask how they seek homes. Some real estate pros have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s right for you, not what’s best choice of for your real estate agent. So make sure the Realtor is willing to search high and low to find the great house for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.
Make sure you understand what you sign. — The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all licensed agents to sign a representation agreement before showing properties or having material discussions about a specific residence. 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 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. Some representation agreements describe hidden administrative fees of $500 to $1000 that you must pay at closing. (Our does not.)
Will Nesbitt
When you need us call me at (703)765-0300.
Will is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. He is licensed in anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but focuses on those communities found in and around Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Springfield/Franconia.
Will has been involved in real estate management, sales and investment for more than twenty years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in the army, he studied Russian at Monterey's Defense Language Institute. He is also a "veteran of the dotcom wars" and built most of the sites associated with NesbittRealty.com
Will currently resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Old Town, overlooking New Alexandria. He is a former president of the Mount Vernon Youth Athletic Association and founded the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group. Will is the author of BattlestorM, a tabletop fantasy game, which was published by Ral Partha Publishing in the late '90's, and Arthur's Realm, a boardgame available at the Gamecrafter.
The perfect licensed real estate adviser for you does not have be the friend of a friend, and might not be a local.
Your best choice is more concerned with your needs than the Realtor's needs, and gets how to work with the budget you establish.
Every home buyer has different needs and different budgets. Some purchasers are buying a first home. Some home hunters want storage space. Some home buyers love chalets-style homes. Others do not. Every buyer is an individual; in the same way, Realtors have different areas of focus and skills.
Here's collected clues for identifying the best agent for you when you're buying in Fairfax County:
