Every Realtor seems to have this golden Rolodex of preferred vendors for you to work with on your home purchase or sale but how credible are these affiliates? They often come in the form of home inspectors, appraisers, mortgage brokers and title companies. Your Realtor urges you to use them because he/she has established relationships with them and assures you they will give you the best deal, but will they?
An important question to ask your Realtor before agreeing to use any of their affiliates is, "What are you getting out of it?" More often than not, most major chain real estate companies have in house lenders and title companies that offer to pay your agent a kickback if they send their affiliates your business. I'm not saying these in house companies are not credible or qualified, they very well may be, but you should still be shopping and pricing out at least three companies.
If your agent can't give you at least three recommendations for each service than that's a sign that he/she just might have their own best interest in mind and not yours. Any credible agent that has been in the business long enough knows at least three to four GOOD title companies, mortgage brokers, home inspectors and appraisers. Make sure you get a list from your Realtor and talk to everyone. Don't just use the first card that was shoved in your face. Time is of the essence on your transaction but using an affiliate that does not have your best interests in mind to save time could end up costing you thousands in the end. For example, an unqualified home inspector who is paying for his referrals. He doesn't catch all the problems with your home, checks off that everything is working and dandy, cuts your Realtor a check for the referral and sends you to closing with a home that caves in three days later. Now of course that's an exaggeration but you get my point. Be careful, ask questions, shop around and be wary of any Realtors who are over pressuring you to use their affiliates.
Erica Muller
Right Moves Realty, LLC
International Estate Agent
Cell: 561-723-4265
UK Toll Free: 0-808-234-4247
www.MySunnyHolidayVilla.com
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