Suzette Peoples Real Estate Blog

What should you know about before hiring a Realtor when they are representing your best interest.

So you have decided that you do need a Realtor to represent your best interest in purchasing your next home. First make sure the Realtor you decided on has years of experience, knows the market your searching in ,has the ABR(Accredited Buyers Rep.) designation, and is a full-time Realtor. You also want to make sure they are designated as a Realtor(member of National Assoc. of Realtors). The designations are important because they are licensed by the State and affiliated with a National organization. They are also required to continuous Education and a need a license to practice Real Estate. It does not mean they have to work for a National Franchise, they can be Independent Broker too. Make sure the Realtor gives you all the correct forms of representation, disclosures and all other important information you need to be aware of when buying your next home. There are disclosures about sex offenders, minerals rights, tax prorations, Title Insurance, annexation, environmental concerns,inspections,HOA’s, flood insurance, Home insurance(CLUE reports), home warranties and school boundaries just to name a few. Your Realtor should be educated in all these areas and or know the right sources to refer you to the answers to these concerns. They all can effect the value of the home you hope to purchase. You also want to make sure they know the market and the values on the neigborhood. See if they have sold homes in the area your looking for. Do they know builders and the different floors plans. Do they know about the amenities of the neighborhood, the market trends, the values increasing or decreasing, just to name a few. Do they know if the home your looking for is in the highest price or lowest price of the neighborhood? Do they know of future growth/developement in the neighborhood? What about financing? Do they have any expereince with Lenders? Do they have any training in the Lending process? The Realtor you want to represent you must know how to negotiate in your behalf. Make sure you understand their style as they are going to write the offer with your best interest in mind. Remember, they are the ones speaking/negotiating for your best deal.  I always say you get what you pay for. Get the best Realtor who has the experience and the knowledge of the Real Estate market your looking to buy in. It can and does make a difference. No Realtors are not all the same. Hire the best and weed out the rest!