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- 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 agents — The real estate pro should have time to interface to you. If you pick the most popular agent in 22191, you might find yourself working with a junior associate affiliated with that Realtor. You sometimes need to see the home you don't want to buy to feel comfortable with the home you will purchase. It's the same with Realtors.
- It's important that you have a good feeling when speaking to your licensed real estate adviser. — Interpersonal skills are as important as professional skills. 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 the Realtor his/her process for finding homes. — When choosing a real estate agent, ask how they shop properties. Some Realtors have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s best choice of for you, not what’s most compatible for your Realtor. So make sure the Realtor is willing to search high and low to find the best pied-a-terre 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 house. Be very wary of any agent that is not concerned about getting a representation agreement signed. This advice is heavily used for a reason. Some representation agreements describe hidden administrative fees of $500 to $1000 that you must pay at closing. (Our does not.)
The ideal real estate agent might not be a local, and is not always the one with the most sales under his or her belt. The right licensed real estate adviser in Woodbridge knows how to work with the budget you establish, and wants to work hard to find you the house of your dreams.
No two home buyers have the same problems. Some property hunters need garage parking. Some home hunters are buying a first home. Some property seekers are investors. In the same way that each buyer is unique, Realtors have different areas of focus and levels of patience.
Here's my hints for picking the most compatible real estate agent for you when you're purchasing in Woodbridge: