There are some things in life that you should not do by yourself. Having open heart surgery comes to mind, right? Making what is probably the largest financial transaction of your life is one of them, too. You absolutely need professionals working for you, and you should choose them ahead of time. Don’t let them “just happen.” Owners carefully choose their listing brokers and agents, but far too many buyer customers simply “fall into” representation – often at the last minute. As soon as you think you may be buying a home, whether it be soon or months into the future, do not be passive – carefully choose an agent to represent you – it may make a big difference. In this information age, it is true that searching for a home is easy and even fun, but you may be missing some of the most important service an agent can provide you as buyer’s agent. Hire an agent to work with you while you are searching. Do you know about the Real Estate Iceberg? Click here to see it. A Realtor can help you focus on your needs and wants, and that should guide your search and your buying decision.
How to choose? Well, it’s a lot like choosing a Doctor. Reputation, what hospital is he or she associated with, even the Doctor’s advertising. Then you go to the office for a consultation. You judge whether you like and trust him or her. It’s much the same when choosing a Realtor. Take the same approach. Take the time to meet with your agent at an office, or even over coffee. Here are some words that will spring a Realtor to life and let the agent know you fully expect professional representation: “I choose you to represent me in the purchase of a home and expect you to protect my interests.” Just like a doctor-patient relationship, an agent-client relationship should be based on trust and honest communications.
Do you have to pay for dedicated service as a client? As I have mentioned, the home owner pays a selling commission as a marketing expense, but buyers seldom pay in money for their representation. Buyers get exceptional service by “paying” with their loyalty. Sometimes a buyer will sign an actual buyer’s agreement that puts an agent under contract to them, just like a listing agreement does for the seller. Most of the time, however, the relationship is informal, based on trust and continued performance. When I take on a buyer client, I provide an unsigned Loyalty Agreement that spells out what I will do for my clients when representing them, all the way thru their purchase, and what I expect from them in return. It is a good example of what you should expect. Click here to see it. The agent that represents a buyer has a very important role from the beginning of a home search all the way through the closing, and sometimes even after the sale. Choose the agent that represents you carefully. It may mean a lot of money to you, and certainly will effect your satisfaction when buying a home – during your search for the right home and, most importantly, during the purchase.
We’re just looking ———–
Real estate has nearly become a national past time, and that’s wonderful. All of us, homeowners or potential homeowners, remain very interested in the real estate industry. A massive portion of the nation’s wealth and well being relates to the equity and security of individual home ownership. So, in a sense, we all are “just looking.” I am proud of being a Realtor, and proud of the industry that serves American consumers. Customer service is my job, and I truly enjoy it. These suggestions and discussion are provided so that you might expect and receive the satisfaction I wish for all my clients and my customers. As such, your questions and comments are truly welcome.
Bob Ashauer
Your Personal RE/MAX Agent
cell (618) 581-1695
eMail: dcbob@charter.net
Main web page: http://www.EastOfTheArch.com
