Special offer

Surprise or Secret Agent

By
Real Estate Agent with Desert Heritage Real Estate

You decided to purchase, sell or lease your home in Surprise, Arizona and use a professional Realtor to insure fair and ethical treatment. Congratulations on your first correct decision! Now where do you go and how do you decide which agent to utilize? Let me suggest some criteria that might help you select the best person for you.

Does your potential Realtor really know Surprise? Are they a "secret agent" only visiting the community if they have a buyer? Do they "live" in the area or do they have a main office in the town which they rarely frequent? Many agents list homes in area's but really don't have first hand knowledge about the community, the amenities, schools and HOA information. Information that goes deeper than just the name of the schools or just handing you a package of Home Owner CCR's without knowledge of what they contain.

Is your agent involved in the community and do they know what is happening in the marketplace because of their contacts and service? Have they worked with property managers of HOA's and do they know what homes are selling and which are not because they are in the area. Anyone can get information from the ARMLS but the information obtained is basic about the home listed but almost nothing about the community or services offered.

 Is your agent familiar with the new ordinances and/or laws that effect your ability to lease or rent your property. How about water issues that arise and could cost homeowners large increases in HOA dues?

Does your potential agent offer "full" service or do they buy and sell only, leaving you to find additional representation if you wish to lease? Many times an agent is selected based on their ad size and not on facts. Information is the key to success so take your time and select the one that can give you the details through experience and first hand knowledge. What you don't know can hurt you!

When you want the best in the west valley contact: gthornton3@cox.net

Posted by

 

Comments (4)

Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

Can't say I have ever heard of Surprise, Arizona.  I would have real trouble down there, as it is one word I insist upon spelling incorrectly.  For some reason I have to spell it Surprize, with a Z.  I know its wrong, but that is how I spell it everytime.  I wonder if I am the only person with that affliction.

Aug 30, 2009 05:17 PM
Dean Curtis
Coldwell Banker Kittitas Valley Realty - Ellensburg, WA

Gaylen,  There is nothing that compares with being the neighborhood expert, except maybe working with the neighborhood expert as a buyer.  I can certainly relate to your post.  Keep striving to be the best in your market, your clients and you will both benefit.

Aug 30, 2009 05:30 PM
Terrylynn Fisher
Dudum Real Estate Group - BuyStageSell.com - Walnut Creek, CA
HAFA Certified, EcoBroker, CRS, CSP Realtor, Etc.

A post topic that many think about, few have the **&^ to say out loud.  Kudos to you.  The "neighborhood specialist", a specialist for a reason.  Too bad that people can get the rider "neighborhood specialist" printed at the local printer without any qualifications.  But that's another post, ehhh? 

Aug 30, 2009 06:22 PM
Lupe Soto-Realtor
Premier Realty Assoc - Los Angeles, CA
Listing, Selling Burbank, San Fernando Valley LA

greetings Gayle, I will be happy to refer you any potential clientes to Surprise, AZ.  I welcome referrals to Burbank CA Los Angeles County. best wishes.

Aug 30, 2009 06:50 PM