Are you ready to buy a home? Have you decided to work with a real estate agent? If so, you'll want to select an agent with the knowledge and skill to find you the home of your dreams -- and someone you feel comfortable working with, too.
First and foremost, you should choose an agent who is an expert on the neighborhood you want to live in. What makes an agent an expert is their knowledge of current and past trends on the sales of all different types of homes (e.g., condos, townhomes, single family residences) in the community. Your agent should be able to give you a listing of comparable homes ("comps") in your price range and where they are located. In addition, they should know all the relevant local facts, including community information, schools, taxes, resale trends and other pertinent data.
An expert agent should also have good communication skills and resources. An agent should have access to local electronic listing services, may possibly be part of a local agent community, and should be able to offer you basic online or printed resources for more information on the community. He or she should ask for and listen to your needs and desires, as well as understand your current financial situation. You should find an agent you can be completely open and honest with, which will save everyone time and effort.
How do you find an expert? The best way is by referral. Ask family and friends if they can recommend an agent, or if they know anyone who can. If you don't know anyone near your target area, look for "For Sale" signs or visit Open Houses and talk with the agents hosting them.
Then ask potential agents how many homes they've listed for sale, or helped a buyer to purchase in the area. Ask agents for references of clients they've worked with in the last six months, and call those references. Ask if the agent was effective and if they'd use the agent again. Finally, find out if an agent will give you online and community resources about your target area. Meet the agent in his or her office and decide if you feel comfortable working with him or her.
There are plenty of real estate agents out there, so be sure you select one who, like Mortgage Loans Online, will work hard to make the home buying process easier on you!
With real estate agents that have graduated from several prestigious and accredited universities -- such as University of Pheonix or Capella University -- Mortgage Loans Online has the dedicated staff of professionals you need to land the home of your dreams.
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