Cities Guide for the Southern Oregon Coast


HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT
Whether you are a buyer or a vendor, a good real estate agent can save you time and money. If you were happy with an agent on a previous transaction, it's a good idea to go back to him or her. But what if you don't have that option? How do you find a good agent that is right for you? 
 
 
Determine your housing needs and choose the desired area

Know what you want from an agent

Contact sources of referral

Interview the agent

Buyers, take the first tour

If it doesn't work out

If all goes well

Remember, they're still an agent

Determine your housing needs and choose the desired area

If you are a buyer, first do a bit of homework. Decide what you need and want in a home: a detached house or condominium apartment, number of bedrooms, and so on. Then choose the area in which you want to look. This doesn't have to be as specific as a neighbourhood. Simply decide upon a search area - usually a reasonable radius from your place of work.

If you are a vendor, prepare an information sheet that lists all of the features and highlights of your home. When you choose an agent, you can present this list. Although the agent will measure rooms and list the obvious features, you can point out things that might otherwise be overlooked. For example: if it is mid-winter, the agent will not know that you have an award-winning tulip bed. The information you provide will allow the agent to write a listing that stands out from the crowd.

Back to Top
 
 

Know what you want from an agent

As a buyer or a vendor, you should expect the agent to be knowledgeable and service-oriented. He or she should be able to help you set a price range, provide information on local housing prices and other factors, identify good locations and homes, suggest sources of financing, take you to view homes, do the paperwork and contracts, and run interference between buyer and seller. If you are buying, an agent will negotiate your offer with the vendor and the vendor's agent. If you are selling, he or she will guide you when the buyer's agent submits an offer.

Back to Top
 
 

Contact sources of referral

The easiest way to find a good agent is to ask for recommendations from people who have recently purchased or sold a home in the same area. Among your friends, neighbours, relatives, co-workers, and acquaintances, there must be someone who can suggest a good agent. If you strike out however, call reputable real estate offices in your area and speak to the manager. Name the area in which you are interested and the kind of house you want. If you are a first-time buyer, it's a good idea to mention that. Some agents are better than others with first-time buyers. Then ask the manager to recommend the best agent for the job. Don't necessarily go with agents that seem to have a high profile. Some people are good at promoting themselves but that doesn't mean they'll provide better service.

Back to Top
 

Interview the agent

The agent should come to your home for an introductory meeting. This is your opportunity to decide if you like and trust this person. Compatibility is important. You will be spending a lot of time with them as you make the largest purchasing decision of your life. If you are a buyer, this is when you will discuss your housing needs and set a price range. Does the agent ask questions about what you want and need? Does he or she listen to you? Does he or she make suggestions? If you decide that you want to work with this agent, you can schedule some showings.

If you are a vendor, ask the agent how he or she will price and promote your home. You should be satisfied that your house is properly priced (not too high or too low) and that will get sufficient exposure in the right venues. Your home should at least be included in the multiple listings - an open listing available to all agents and their buyers.

Back to Top
 
 

Buyers, take the first tour

As you take the first tour of homes with your agent, keep focused on what you want. The first tour is a test of how well the agent listened to your needs and wants. If you said that you need a three bedroom home on a quiet suburban street but the agent keeps taking you to condominium apartments because they are her listings, something is wrong. If he or she shows you homes that are right for you, then you know you've got someone who understands your needs. As you visit each home, ask lots of questions. What are the high and low price ranges? Why is one house priced much higher or lower than another similar one? Are there planned changes to zoning laws that will permit commercial development in the neighbourhood? (To be sure of this, don't just rely on the agent's answer. Ask the city). Have there been tax increases without an increase in services, and so on. Ask to see properties that are in a good location but are priced lower because they need cleaning or decorating or have been on the market for awhile.

Back to Top
 
 

If it doesn't work out

If you are not happy with an agent, thank them for their time and choose another. Repeat the process to find an agent and try again. Most agents are professional and service-oriented, so you shouldn't encounter much bad luck. When you do, don't hesitate to end it and move on.

Back to Top
 
 

If all goes well

If you are happy with the agent, make a commitment to stay with him or her. Agents work most diligently when they know they have a loyal client. (Real estate agents do not enjoy exclusivity and therefore must often watch while other agents scoop a client that they chauffeured to many houses. Loyalty is a virtue that you can leverage into dedicated hard work from your agent). You will not do yourself any favours by jumping indiscriminately from agent to agent. The worst thing you can do is to call listing agents for each and every advertised home. It is never to your advantage to deal directly with the listing agent. In some jurisdictions, agents can ask you to sign them on as your buying agent. This means that they are legally obligated to act on your behalf instead of the vendor's. Once you find an agent with whom you want to work, it is okay to enter into such an agreement.

Back to Top
 
 

Remember, they're still an agent

As much as you might like the agent you have found, remember that he or she is driven by the goal to sell you a house. Therefore, always be aware that you must make your own decisions. Don't be seduced or influenced by the subtle tactics of a skilled agent. Don't succumb to pressure or the suggestion that "someone is making an offer on that one." Take your time, make as low an offer as you like, and say no if you don't feel comfortable.


Click here to visit South Coast Oregon Directory

©scod.com est. 1995 Independently Owned & Operated
email: webstaff@scod.com for problems with this page.