Seattle Real Estate: Buying a House in 2008? Seattle Purchasing Basics...

Selling houses in Seattle is amazing -

A qualified buyer is a very lucky person right now, but it is so important to ask questions form your real estate agent to make sure that they are going to be there for you every step of the way.  I wrote a blog once on sensitivity training and how important it is for agents to really put themselves in the shoes of the client.  Moving i s a big emotional roller coaster and a real estate agent should be there to pad the way and really be there for you!  Some of the most sane and logical people I know will still become complete basket cases during a transaction - even a relatively smooth transaction.  Having a Seattle real estate expert to stand by them is imperative.

The VERY basic questions to ask a potential agent:

1. Are you a REALTOR?  Realtors have a code of ethics and abide by a higher level of work standards.  I like to include the Realtor Code of Ethics in my home buyers book for clients.
2. Besides your continuing education, what other training and credentials have you obtained? There are many extra designations in real estate which just mean that a Realtor earning them has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements.  I have an accounting degree from Washington State University - I also recently earned my e-Pro designation and am currently working on my ECO-broker designation.  I love the extra classes and training and find that each one of these really help me in my business. 
3. Do you have at least three references from recent transactions?  Make sure to get both buying and listing side references.  Ask for their email addresses. 
4. How long have you been a real estate agent? This is important, but if they are newer, don't necessarily discount that.  Ask for precious work experience which might be relevant to the job.
5. Is this agent a Sales Associate or are they a  Broker?  It does make a difference!  Brokers have to go through additional education and testing  - they also have to meet more guidelines as far as experience.  A broker with a larger company will be an Associate Broker where as some operate as Owner/Brokers.  I was an Associate Broker before opening up my own Seattle real estate brokerage.  I am now the Owner/Broker - I have a vested interest in making sure my company provides the very best service!

Seattle real estate is going through a tricky market right now and as a result it is absolutely imperative that buyers and sellers contact a full service REALTOR who is going to actually hold their hand and be there every step of the way.  Trying to do this FSBO or with a limited service agency seems crazy to me after some of my recent sales.  The 2008 Seattle real estate market is strong, but it has changed!

Looking for more buyer tips?

Seattle 2008 Buyer Tips

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Courtney Cooper ....For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting - I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Greenlake, Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

 If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at Seattle Relocation services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment!