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Finding a Good Real Estate Agent
Welcome > Agent Info > Finding a Good Real Estate Agent ...

Finding a good real estate agent/broker is essential to enjoying a painless real estate transaction. The saying is "20% of the agents do 80% of the business," and it is true. The question is how can you find a good real estate agent? The best agent for you is an experienced professional who will listen to you, conduct herself in an ethical manner and knows your market. 

1. REALTORS® and Real Estate Agents 

All Realtors® are licensed to sell real estate as an agent or a broker but not all real estate agents are Realtors®. Only Realtors® can display the Realtor® logo. Realtors® belong to the National Association of Realtors and pledge to follow the Code of Ethics, a comprehensive list containing 17 articles and underlying standards of practice, which establish levels of conduct that are higher than ordinary business practices or those required by law. Less than half of all licensees are Realtors®.
If you have a complaint when working with a non- Realtor®, you have no recourse through even your local real estate board, as these agents are not members and cannot be held accountable for their actions through the boards grievance and professional standards committee practices. Something to really think about twice when choosing an agent! 

2. Referrals 

Most real estate agents stay in business because satisfied clients refer them to friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. Ask the people around you who they have used and ask them to describe their experiences with this real estate agent. Successful agents make customer satisfaction their number one priority and put their customers' needs before their own. Try to find an agent who goes above and beyond her responsibilities. She'll be the agent whose praises your friends sing loudest.
3. Search Online for Agent Listings
There are plenty of Web sites that will refer agents to you but that is no assurance of quality. The agents they refer are those who have paid the Web site owners a fee to be listed in their directory. A better bet is to Google the agents doing business in your area, go to those Web sites. Look for customer testimonials.  

4. Track Neighborhood Signs 

Pay attention to the listing signs in your neighborhood. Results speak volumes. One of the worst mistakes for selling and buying is to use the agent from across town. The Atlanta metro area is too wide spread for an agent to specialize in every market. Your agent cannot represent you well unless they have specific market knowledge about the particular area you are selling or buying in. A telltale sign is when your agent cannot find the neighborhood they are showing you homes in without a navigation system or map book, or they are so far away that they recommend for you to call the listing agent when you want to see a house. 

6. Recommendations from Professionals 

Some agents sell only commercial or investment property, do not specialize in residential sales or work a different area than you are interested in and would be happy to refer you. Mortgage brokers are also a resource for agent referrals as many brokers have first-hand knowledge of exceptional agents. Pros tend to refer pros. 

7. Here are some services a listing agent should offer you 

Top listing agents sell homes day in and day out. Here is a list of services most listing agents offer to sellers: 

  • Top-notch marketing materials and proven selling systems.
  • Professional virtual tours and photography.
  • Wide Internet exposure.
  • Networking with fellow real estate agents.
  • Price guidance according to market data and recent sales.
  • Home staging, inspector and repair contractor referrals.
  • Buyer feedback.
  • Confirmation of potential buyer qualifications.
  • Counter offer and negotiation expertise.

8. Buyer's Agents Work for the Buyer and Not the Seller 

Done correctly, a buyer's agent's job is to put the buyer's interests ahead of the agent's, to disclose all material facts, keep the buyer's information confidential, provide the buyer with sufficient information to purchase a home and expertly negotiate on the buyer's behalf. 

Here are some of the services you can expect to get from a buyer's agent that you might not be able to obtain on your own. Apart from hearing about listings before homes are available to the public, agents can: 

  • Provide comparable sales from the tax records.
  • Provide sales data from MLS based on area searches.
  • Pull property profiles reflecting sales history, property data, demographics and neighborhood services.
  • Run reports on listing agent's list-price to sales-price ratios.
  • Calculate annual facts and trends about an area.
  • Suggest offer strategy.
  • Prepare a strong offer that presents the buyer in the best light based on market demands and agent interaction / networking.
  • Review of documents for loopholes and obtain disclosures.
  • Provide a buffer between you and the seller's agent.
  • If you feel competent that you can handle a sale or purchase on your own, you probably can. But you may always wonder if you paid too much or accepted too low of a price.

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Real Estate Tips
Buying Land and New Construction >Building Considerations

Are you planning to build your dream home? Once you are pre-approved for a loan and have found a professional real estate agent you trust, you are ready to start looking for the perfect lot.

Compare the qualities of several target neighborhoods by looking at schools, shopping, recreation and zoning. Make sure that the zoning regulations allow you to build the size and height of the home you want. Find out if there are use restrictions that would prevent you from developing your property as you intend. A visit to the local planning department will clarify your options for building.

Consider what type of home would best suit your lifestyle. Create a checklist to itemize the "must-have" interior and exterior features of a house that you feel are absolute requirements. Make notations about yard size, paint, roof and window conditions for the exterior, and floor plan, room quality and condition of the appliances for the interior. Bring your lists to your real estate agent. Together you can look over the currently available properties that correspond to your needs.

See All Tips In The "Buying Land and New Construction" Category >
See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Real Estate Trivia
Q 
What is the maximum interest you can deduct on your federal tax return to purchase or improve a first or second home?

A 
One of the greatest benefits of home ownership is the federal tax deduction for interest up to, but not exceeding, $1million.
See More Real Estate Trivia >


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Ursula Dahle, REALTOR®, real estate agent and broker for Woodstock, Towne Lake and Cherokee County, Georgia home listings, property and land for sale - NUMBER1EXPERT

Ursula Dahle
Keller Williams Realty Platinum Partners

220 Heritage Walk, Suite 101
Woodstock, GA. 30188
Direct: 678-569-4044
Main Office: 678-494-0644
Fax: 678-401-0191
Email Ursula: ursula@callursula.com
Email Renee: renee@callursula.com

Accessibility is what we are all about. When you want to buy or sell a home, you want to know that your REALTOR® is there and working for you. Why do some agents have all of the listings and others are just getting by with a few? It's the Experience, Service, and Results that a good REALTOR® brings to the table.

I specialize in the sale and marketing of residential real estate and have lived in this area for many years. My team understands your needs and wants the outcome of your transaction to be as smooth as possible. Whether you are buying or selling a home, we are there for you.

CDPE Equal Housing MLS REALTOR


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