10 Essential Tips for Choosing a Real Estate Agent in York PA

real estate

Hi, I Matthew McNamee. I am a engineer, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. I speaks on issues of cultural bias, the stigma of cancer, and...Read more

When you are looking to purchase or rent a home there are many factors that you take into account. You may want a place that is close to your job or has good schools for your children to attend. You may be concerned with safety or what services you get from the town in exchange for your taxes. These are a few of the things that you probably will not be able to determine if you only look online for your home. Though you may be referred to a real estate agent to help you, in truth, you know nothing about that person.

Buying a home is probably one of the largest investments you will make. If you choose wisely, you will be rewarded, but if you do not, or are misled by the agent you chose, you may have a problem selling the place when you decide the area is not for you. Choosing the right real estate agent could be the second most important decision you make. Here are ten tips for choosing the right one.

Tip One

Interview several agents before you choose one. You have to get along with the agent because you will spend a lot of time with them. You don’t want every meeting to begin with you thinking you would rather be with anyone else. Having the right chemistry is important. Choose someone who seems to understand exactly what you need. If they try to tell you one of your requirements is not that important, find someone else. This agent is out for themselves and not for you.

Tip Two

Find an agent that is truly local. You want someone who knows the people, the schools, and the feel of the community. If you want privacy, tell them. If you like to get involved in the community, let them know that as well. A local agent can steer you to the right home.

Tip Three

Talk to people in the area and ask them who they would recommend. Just stop in at a few local shops and strike up the conversation; you want to move there, do they know someone good that can help you.

Tip Four

If you talk to an agent that flatters you or engages in a lot of inconsequential chatter, they are not for you. Find an agent that asks questions and then listens to your answers. Once they listen, see what they come up with. If what you wanted is not represented by their offerings, move on.

Tip Five

Do your research. If they have a website, check it out. See if it lists properties that have been sold and purchased. If you are looking for residential property and most of their inventory is commercial or residential investment property, they are not what you are looking for.

Tip Six

If you feel pressured by the agent or have a hard time communicating your needs, then find someone else. You should be able to feel comfortable talking to them and they should, in turn, understand and respond to your requirements They should also make it easy for you to be able to deal with them on a schedule that is good for you.

Tip Seven

A good agent has a support staff that can answer your questions when your agent is unavailable. If you expect to deal only with one person and you end up with their support staff instead, this is a red flag. Get it straightened out upfront if you will deal with more than one person.

Tip Eight

Find out if they can handle your situation. Purchasing a house you want to flip is far different than purchasing one in which to raise a family.

Tip Nine

Ask them if they need more information from you. They should want to know your goals, such as do you plan to raise a family. They should also know what is most important to you because if they have no property that meets that goal your time will be wasted because every property will be a deal-breaker.

Top Ten

Look them up on the internet. Research what they have sold. Ask them for references and by all means call them. Then find some on your own. No one will give a name that will give a bad reference.

Hi, I Matthew McNamee. I am a engineer, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. I speaks on issues of cultural bias, the stigma of cancer, and more.

About the Author

Matthew McNamee

Hi, I Matthew McNamee. I am a engineer, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. I speaks on issues of cultural bias, the stigma of cancer, and more.

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