Are all agents the same?
Short and simple answer? No; they’re not.
Successfully helping buyers and sellers get to the finish line of closing on their home, time after time, is a complex proposition. It involves a wide array of skills, from negotiating, to properly pricing a home, to marketing, to helping find homes that a buyer would otherwise miss.
Sure, almost anyone could get their license and jump into the fray, but what are the key distinctives that set apart the best real estate licensee from the rest? Here’s a short list:
Buyers:
– Experience and track record in setting up custom searches, as well as identifying properties not on the MLS (FSBO’s, upcoming listings, area searches, etc.)
– The willingness to show as many homes as needed, over as long of a time period as it takes, for you to feel comfortable with the final purchase – not someone who is focused on short term gains and making a quick buck
– Experience tuning into a buyer’s criteria and giving valuable feedback and comparisons of potential properties in terms of the buyer’s specific needs
– Experience with local lenders and other helpful professionals who bring real, proven value to the table
Sellers:
– A detailed knowledge of the market and specific trends affecting specific homes
– Valuable, proven insight on what to do, and what not to do in order to get the best price for your home
– Accurate suggested list/sales price, as well as numbers projecting a seller’s bottom line minus closing costs and commissions at closing
– Competitive commission structure to maximize homeowner’s profit
– A follow through plan to make sure that active, ongoing marketing, communication, and feedback from agents who show the home happen on a regular basis
Both buyers and sellers:
– Depth of negotiation experience. How long have they been in the business? How many transactions do they personally handle from beginning to end on a regular basis?
– Skill in properly determining market value for a home, whether for a seller considering selling and wanting to get the top price, or a buyer evaluating the pricing of a home to prepare the right offer.
– Personal care. Are they involved in the day to day operations of working on transactions and personally assisting you as a buyer or seller, or will you be handed off to someone else with less skill and experience?
– A proven track record. Do they have success stories? Are they willing to share references so you touch base with past customers and hear their experience?
These are just a few thoughts on what I’d be looking for if I was shopping for a real estate professional myself! If you are looking for a real estate professional, hopefully these are helpful – and of course, I’d love to be interviewed for the job of serving your unique real estate needs!
Tait Zimmerman
Advantage Alaska Real Estate
Serving Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, Eagle River, Chugiak, Big Lake, Willow, Sutton
907-519-0043
tait@advantagealaska.com
AdvantageAlaska.com
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