Saturday, July 15, 2006

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Selling your house and buying a new home – talk about stress! Whether it’s your first purchase or the retirement home of your dreams, there’s no such thing as a “simple” real estate transaction. Buying or selling a home today means mountains of paperwork and legal requirements, not to mention negotiating with the other side and being sure you are getting the best deal. Choosing the right real estate agent is absolutely essential!

But how do you do that? Start by asking family and friends. Talk to people you work with and your neighbors. A referral from a satisfied client is always a great place to begin. These days, many people also use the Internet. That will bring up lots of names, but how do you know which is right for you? Look at their web sites. Do you like the way they present themselves and their businesses? Do they have experience and knowledge of your market area?

Once you’ve narrowed the list, interview prospective agents. There are many issues that will be important to you, but one of the first questions should be, “Are you a Realtor®?”. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and has agreed to abide by a strict code of ethics. When you are making perhaps the largest purchase of your life, you want to be sure the person looking out for your interests is ethical and accountable. Click here for a dozen more reasons to use a Realtor, then give me call. I’ll help you find that home of your dreams in Central Virginia!

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