Back in the ’60s, the Beatles put out a popular song called “Help!” The lyrics began like this: “Help, I need somebody. Help, not just anybody. Help, you know I need someone. He-e-elp!”
In the world of home sales, that helper would be a real estate agent who can help guide a seller to close on a piece of property or help a buyer who is searching for just the right property.
The thing is, we must think of agents as a professionals. They are experienced and they take their responsibilities seriously. They are paid when a transaction closes and their reputation depends on their clients’ satisfaction.
A real estate agent can do a better job for you if you also commit to helping them move the sale along. A successful transaction depends on the cooperation of everyone involved.
“The best way for a buyer or seller to help his/her agent is to provide timely and accurate information to the agent,” said Carolyn Roberts, president/broker of Roberts Real Estate, Inc. “More facts will help your agent do a better job for you.”
Below are some tips that will show you how to help your agent help you. The result can be satisfying to both parties.
- Get pre-approved by a lender, so you won’t waste your agent’s time searching for houses out of your price range. This also will put you in a position to make an offer immediately upon finding the house you want. And, you’ll know what to expect in closing costs, fees, and mortgage payments.
- Work with one agent . If you’re a seller, you are required by the contract not to have multiple agents at one time. If you’re a buyer, your loyalty will encourage your agent to be dedicated to finding your property.
- Don’t ask your agent to do anything illegal. Your agent must maintain integrity and comply with the fair housing laws.
- Keep appointments and communicate with your agent. Agents spend a lot of time waiting in front of homes for buyers who don’t show up. If you can’t keep the appointment, be sure to call your agent. It also can be an inconvenience to the homeowner who’s expecting a visit.
- Attend your home inspection and pest inspection. You will learn useful information from the professional inspectors.
- Be prepared with all the necessary paperwork to process the transaction. This will help speed things along at the time of closing.
- Let your agent know your preferences. Do you have the time to see multiple listings in one day? Or, do you want to spread your visits out over a given week or weekend? How urgent is your need to move?
- If you’re married, make sure you and your spouse agree, in advance, on what you’re looking for. It’s a time-waster for everyone involved if you can’t agree on your list of wants and needs. Write up a detailed list, and share it with your agent. Work with your agent. You’ll be glad you did.
WORKING CLOSELY WITH YOUR AGENT WILL HELP YOU MEET YOUR GOAL!
__________________
Considering a home purchase in Ocala, Florida? Roberts Real Estate specializes in personal service backed by a deep knowledge of the local community. We have professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated agents who follow through from the beginning to the end of the transaction. Call (352) 351-0011 to speak with one of our agents today.
