Finding the right realtor is not just about calling the agent with the best looking website or advertising; it is about finding someone whose personality is compatible with yours, and someone who will market and sell your home in a manner that suits you. Then you get to the nuts and bolts. When you hire a realtor, you are not just entering into a contract with him or her, you are engaging the services of that agents' entire network. If your agent gives a funny look when you ask about affiliations, you should look elsewhere.
An accomplished realtor should have a network of associates who can assist in all aspects of your transaction. Starting with the Title company used by your agent to produce a title report (necessary to insure that there are not surprises at closing) to a contractor to repair items identified by the buyers inspector, your agent should have these people in a back pocket ready to resolve the inevitable issues that arise in the course of buying or selling a home.
You should expect, as a matter of routine, for your agent to bring up his or her network at your first meeting. I have made it a practice to discuss the following with all clients, buying or selling:
Title costs and procedures
- Inspections/inspectors
- Reputable lenders (things to consider when finding the right lender)
- Contractors (plumbing, electric, landscape, paint, minor to major repair, etc.)
Your Realtor should also have the following "on tap" if needed:
- Land use planner/engineer (especially if you are looking to build)
- Septic designers and well drillers
- Architect or draftsman (many folks plan to add additions etc. after purchase, do you know if the people that issue the permits will?)
- Wetland/environmental experts (for all of the reasons mentioned above)
- Many others!!!
It never ceases to amaze me when I hear about people entering into contracts with no idea of the potential outcomes. Just because you buy a vacant lot doesn't mean that the local jurisdiction will allow you to build on it. Nor does what the neighbor did have any bearing on your property. The rules are changing so fast that what was OK six months ago might be impossible today. If your network of experts is out of touch, it could hurt.
As realtors, we represent ourselves as experts in the field of real estate. The term "real estate" is very broad, it includes not only our homes, but the roads that serve them, the water, the sewer, community impacts, and everything else we take for granted until it affects our purchase or sale. No one person will have all of the answers; but you should insist that your expert know what questions need to be asked, and of whom.
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