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

By Rich Jacobson

Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty West Sound WA State 52404

October 19, 2006 07:44 AM

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)

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Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers

Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ

Coldwell Banker Realty

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....

Oct 19, 2006 03:08 PM

Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate

Majestic Properties - Miami Beach, FL

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 19, 2006 03:41 PM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

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

Oct 19, 2006 07:40 PM

Michael DeMello

Prudential Locations LLC - Honolulu, HI

CRS, ABR, CDPE, e-Certified

Great write! I must agree on every aspect!

Oct 19, 2006 09:56 PM

Sharon Simms

Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

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.

Oct 19, 2006 11:09 PM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

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!

Oct 20, 2006 04:02 AM

Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES

Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL

Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

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!

Oct 20, 2006 04:41 AM

Laurie Petranoff

Suburban House Hunters - Lake in the Hills, IL

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!!

Oct 20, 2006 05:22 AM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

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!

Oct 20, 2006 09:08 AM

Laurie Petranoff

Suburban House Hunters - Lake in the Hills, IL

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!!

Oct 20, 2006 09:39 AM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

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

Oct 20, 2006 10:09 AM

Laurie Petranoff

Suburban House Hunters - Lake in the Hills, IL

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

Oct 20, 2006 11:32 AM

Ryan Windsor

RE/MAX Crest Realty (Westside) - Vancouver, BC

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

Oct 20, 2006 05:43 PM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

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

Oct 20, 2006 06:16 PM

Anonymous

Leo Namiot - Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Great blog, very good points.....

Oct 23, 2006 03:26 PM

#16

Michele Van Detti

CJR - Gilbert, AZ

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.

Oct 27, 2006 05:38 PM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

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!

Oct 27, 2006 06:07 PM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Leo - I appreciate your encouraging comments. Thanks!

Oct 27, 2006 06:08 PM

William Collins

ERA Queen City Realty - Scotch Plains, NJ

Property and Asset Management

Rich, Great reference piece for nembies in the business.

Nov 30, 2006 10:22 PM

Rich Jacobson