If you’re in HR or own a business, you’re familiar with the hiring process. Finding a valuable real estate agent is very much the same. If you haven’t had the pleasure of putting people under a microscope to find out if they’re the best fit for you, then you’re in for an adventure. But whether you’re a seasoned homebuyer or a first-time homebuyer, your friends at GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. in West Asheville can help.
In a city with hundreds of real estate agents, this process helps you narrow down your choices to find the best agent to suit your specific needs. You don’t have to undertake a burdensome chore because you always have access to the experience and local knowledge of an independent mortgage lender at GoPrime Mortgage.
How Do I Begin My Search for a Valuable Real Estate Agent?
There’s so much competition for your business as a homebuyer that we recommend not signing on with the first real estate agent you meet. Find the agent that fits your situation, so search for a relocation specialist, an agent specializing in first-time homebuyers or one who knows the Asheville neighborhoods inside and out.
Vetting also means taking your time to learn things about the agent. Begin by jotting down a list of qualities important to you and your family. Making the wrong decision can be a costly mistake, so choose wisely and consider the characteristics of a valuable real estate agent, such as:
- Being a good communicator. Look for an agent who listens to you and gives you feedback based on your needs and desires. When you reach out to ask a potential agent some questions, see if they get back to you in a timely manner with the answers you requested. Let your agent know the level of communication you’re most comfortable with.
- Sharing honestly. Many real estate agents believe that the customer is only interested in the money, how much they can get or save in a transaction. Beware of agents who misrepresent prices to win you over or make promises they can’t keep.
- Allowing you to weigh in. Look for a real estate agent who partners with you to find the best home for your family or get the best offer from a buyer in a reasonable amount of time. When you have all the facts and follow the progress your agent is making, you’ll enjoy the process without stress.
- Coming to you with references. Ideally, you’ve asked around or talked to your independent mortgage lender to get referrals for a qualified, valuable real estate agent. Ask for other references too, which any good agent should be eager to provide.
What Do I Need to Know about My Real Estate Agent?
While you can follow your instincts to find an agent who clicks with you, listens well and includes you in the process, there are other points to clarify before hiring him or her. Ask for proof of their experience and successes. Find out:
- How long they’ve been a real estate agent
- How long they’ve lived or worked in the city — and in which neighborhoods
- How many buyers vs. sellers they’ve represented
- Whether they’re a full-time or part-time real estate agent
Find out if you’ll be working directly with the agent most of the time or whether you’ll be handed off to an assistant or a team. Some assistants are terrific and teams rely on dividing the workload, but if that’s the case, take time to meet the others. Before you sign a contract, check that the real estate agent is willing to work with your mortgage broker at GoPrime. Contact the team at GoPrime for agent referrals. They even know where to find down payment assistance, such as with the NC Housing Finance Agency.
Sources:
https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/how-to-vet-real-estate-agents
