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- Check out licensed real estate adviser 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 Realtors — I once saw a statistic that 84% of purchasers 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 examining all possibilities. Probably a little of both.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.
- Don't underestimate the value of likability. — You want a Realtor that “gets you”. You want a good listener and an agent that isn't eager to the point of desperation.
- Ask the potential real estate professional how they search for homes. — When picking a licensed real estate adviser, ask how they find residences. Some licensed real estate advisers have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s most suitable for you, not what’s a dream for your agent. So make sure the Realtor is willing to search high and low to find the dream home for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.
- Read the 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 property. Be very wary of any agent that is not concerned about getting a representation agreement signed. This advice is heavily used for a reason. It's critical that you examine all documents during the home buying process, and that includes your agent's representation agreement.
The right licensed real estate adviser for you is not necessarily the one with the most years on the job and might work for a family business (or a Fortune-400 company). The great licensed real estate adviser is easy to get along with and understands the fact that you have a choice in agents.
Here's my suggested course of action for discovering the most compatible Realtor for you when you're buying a place in 22315: