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- Check out Realtor referrals. — Nesbitt Realty likes Angie’s List because 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 real estate agents — The Realtor you choose should be able to clearly understand your needs. You don't have to exhaust yourself interviewing agent after agent, but at least interface with two or three to see who you're most comfortable with.
- It's critical that you and your agent share a certain rapport. — You will probably be working with your Realtor anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so it helps to get along with them. We all have unique personalities, and that's the way it should be. But when working with someone professionally, it helps if their personality “meshes” well with your own.
- Ask how they hunt. — When deciding on a Realtor, ask how they shop homes. Some Realtors have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what’s most suitable for you, not what’s ideal for your licensed real estate adviser. So make sure the real estate professional is willing to search high and low to find the right home 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 residence. Be very wary of any agent that is not concerned about getting a representation agreement signed. Some representation agreements describe hidden administrative fees of $500 to $1000 that you must pay at closing. (Our does not.) A representation agreement describes the agent's responsibilities and your obligations when a real estate agent shows you a property in the City of Alexandria.
The right Realtor in Alexandria for you may have less experience, and isn't necessarily born in Northern Virginia. The perfect agent in Alexandria comprehends your needs, and is more concerned with your needs than the real estate agent's needs.
Your needs are not the same as the last purchaser's needs. Some buyers don't mind a longer commute to get more than 1,120 sqft of property. Some shoppers love colonials-style homes. Others do not. Some home hunters want storage space. Every purchaser is unique in the same way, real estate pros have different levels of patience and areas of focus.
Here's a curated ideas to help you select the dream real estate professional for you when you're buying in Duke Gardens: