The relationship with a real estate agent goes beyond just expertise; it’s about trust, communication, and feeling comfortable with the person who will be guiding you through one of life’s biggest financial transactions. A good agent will not only have market knowledge and negotiation skills but also an understanding of your unique goals and preferences. You need to feel that your real estate agent cares about you - and not just the completion of the transaction and the resulting commission.
Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial when buying or selling property. Your agent can be the difference between a smooth, successful transaction and a stressful, costly experience. Even if an agent comes highly recommended, it’s essential to ensure they’re the right fit for you personally. Interviewing multiple agents allows you to assess each one’s strengths and find someone who truly understands your goals.
Working closely with an agent over several months means trusting them with one of your biggest assets or purchases. Look for someone with not only solid market knowledge and negotiation skills but also a communication style and approach that match your preferences. The right realtor can make the journey to your new home as rewarding as the destination.
Are you in the process of choosing a realtor? If so, here are some specific areas and skill sets to consider based on your needs.
Your agent should be able to help you with the mortgage loan process
This does not mean that your agent will help you fill out the mortgage application!. However, your agent should be able to talk with you about your financial goals and qualifications in enough detail to point you toward several lenders who offer financing programs that match your needs and wants. For instance, if you qualify for a VA loan, then you will want to be introduced to lenders who understand the issues with VA loans. Not all lenders do VA or FHA loans. Not all lenders do first time home buyer programs that are funded by a particular state or municipality. You should be able to rely on your real estate agent to introduce you to the right lender(s) who can meet your needs.
Similarly if you are either a high net worth or high income buyer, your real estate agent should be able to match you with a lender who can provide a mortgage through private banking.
Make sure that your real estate agent is savvy enough to be able to understand your mortgage needs and to match you with the right lender.
Your agent should do a Needs Analysis with you
When working with a real estate agent, it’s standard for them to ask about basics like the type of property, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, preferred school districts, and so on. But a home is a major, personal purchase, and it's natural to have specific preferences that go beyond the basics. Sometimes, buyers hesitate to share these unique preferences, worrying about being seen as "picky" or "difficult."
However, a good agent will understand that each buyer has unique needs and priorities. Being open about your must-haves, deal-breakers, and lifestyle goals can actually help your agent find properties that truly fit you. Remember, a skilled agent wants to help you find a home where you feel completely comfortable, and they’ll appreciate the added insight into what matters most to you.
Be prepared to share lots of details when you’re getting to know the agents - and watch out for the ones who don't ask the deeper questions - the "why is that important" follow ups. Here are some questions to consider:
1. Do any of your family members or frequent visitors need special accommodations such as a wheelchair ramp or a mother-in-law suite. Is an elevator in a condo building important?
2. Are there certain housing styles that you dislike?
3. Are you willing to perform immediate renovations?
4. Are there certain community needs that you must have? Do you need to be closer to certain schools, parks, commuter patterns or recreational facilities?
By asking deeper questions, your real estate agent can save you time by avoiding you repeatedly turning down properties, whether due to a feng shui preference, a disdain for specific address numbers, or something in between.
Make sure that your agent is not a transactional agent
Ideally, you will feel taken care of - before, during following the transaction! Your agent should prepare you for the market you are searching in. Will there be a bidding war? How will the market affect your home search? What is inventory like in the neighborhoods you are searching in?
Will your real estate agent talk to you about when it is the right time to walk away? A transactional real estate agent just wants you to buy and get out of their car (even if you never actually set foot in their car.) A relationship based agent wants to be your real estate agent for life - for the changes in your life and for your friends and family. Your satisfaction and good financial outcome matters much more than the commission.
If you are looking for a home in the DC metro area and you have not found the real estate agent that makes you feel comfortable and whom you trust, I would love to talk with you! You can reach me at 240-401-5577 or email me at Lise@lisehowe.com. I look forward to speaking with you.
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