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Adventures in 1st Time Home Buying: "Top 10 Traits of a Great Agent, Part 1"

Welcome once again to ActiveRain, the cutting-edge clearinghouse for current resources on all things real estate. My name is Rich Jacobson, a licensed professional real estate agent out on the Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State. This is the second installment in an on-going series of posts dedicated to helping 1^st Time Home Buyers successfully achieve their purchasing goals. We have been identifying and discussing, in chronological order, key events in the home buying process. In the last post, we talked about Mortgage Lenders and Loan Pre-Approval.

Today’s topic is Choosing Your Real Estate Agent - Part 1

Before we begin, let me first stress the importance of having a real estate agent to represent you, particularly if you are a 1^st Time Buyer. You owe it to yourself to have someone who is dedicated solely to representing Your best interests.

To find a list of the Top Ten traits to look for when choosing your agent, go to SoundBiteBlog. (opens in a separate window)

Posted by Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Agent on 10/19/2006 02:44 PM

Comments (21)

1st time buyers, buyers, real estate agent, realtor, agency, representation, washington, kitsap county, silverdale

21 Comments on Adventures in 1st Time Home Buying: "Top 10 Traits of a Great Agent, Part 1"

OCT

2006

If you keep on writing them like this, those "Stars" will just keep on coming. Congrats, and great job.

Ethical: Licensed real estate professionals are held to a very high standard, the National Association of REALTOR® Code of Ethics. While there may be a few exceptions, most agents genuinely strive to maintain these ethical practices in their daily business. They don't just talk about being ethical, it's who and what they are.

A key point so often overlooked by Buyers - as inexperienced agents may truly inadvertently violate without knowing....

When selling, people don't think twice about hiring a Realtor to represent them - why is it so hard to hire one when you are buying? Great points, you are a PRO. If I wasn't a Realtor, I would hire you on the spot.

Ines

OCT

2006

That is an interesting dichotomy, isn't it, Ines? You're so sweet!

Great write! I must agree on every aspect!

Intuitive. An agent should also be able to look between the lines, and beyond the stated wants, to come up with an Aha! house that meets what the buyer is really looking for, even if he doesn't know it.

George - I am always grateful for your thoughts and comments!

Tony - we don't promote this enough. A few bad apples spoils the whole bunch, at least in the consumer's eyes. We need to be vigilant to protect our integrity, and not allow even the slightest hint of impropriety in our business.

Enrique & Ines - love you guys!

Michael - Thanks, man!

Sharon - Intuitiveness helps. Good listening too. That's the next post. Thanks!

Many first time buyers need a lot of guidance and education. They don't know, they have never been told, and they might have been afraid to ask. Gaining their trust and letting them know that using a Realtor to realize their dream doesn't cost them out of their pocket are the first steps. Then show them the way!

Excellent blog! I couldn't agree more. I work with a lot of first time home buyers and it's important to educate them on the various aspects. I enjoy being the advocate for these individuals and helping them in every way.

Great post!!

Silvia - good additional comments. Thanks!

Laurie - you are much too kind. It is wonderfully fun and satisfying, isn't it? We're lucky to be in this position!

Rich, it is extremely fun and satisfying! There is nothing like the way first-time home buyers' eyes light up when you finally hand them the keys at closing. Don't get me wrong, I love working with anyone, however, there is a bond that can't be defined with first-time home buyers. It is the most gratifying experience! I can't believe we get paid for this!!

Laurie,...shhhhh! Don't say that too loud!... :)

LOL! I promise, I'll keep that a trade secret! LOL!

OCT

2006

The first time home buyers out there will appreciate the effort you've put forth so far! I look forward to the next installment.

Ryan - thanks, that's my hope as well. Stay tuned!

OCT

2006

Great blog, very good points.....

OCT

2006

Excellent point. As a Buyer Specialist, I often wonder why people tell me, "Ah, I'll just work with the agent who's listing the house". Scary. I just wrote a little blog about this subject myself, and if I knew how to create a link I'd do it, but I don't so I'll have to ask you to get to it the old fashioned way.

Michele - It's really easy. You just type the name of your blog, "The Importance of Professional Representation." Then, you just highlight the title, and click on the the chain link up above. You then type or copy the URL from your blog. I usually open two seperate AR pages on my computer and go back and forth. It's much easier that way. Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for your comments!

Leo - I appreciate your encouraging comments. Thanks!

DEC

2006

Rich, Great reference piece for nembies in the business.

William - thanks for stopping by. Definitely something for new agents to strive for!

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