Real Estate Agent Choices

There are thousands of real estate agents in Sonoma County. How do you choose the right one to work with?

Ways people find real estate agents:

· Meeting at an open house

·       Calling about a property listed for sale

·        Advertisements

·       Contacts and friends

·        Referrals

·        The Internet

Regardless of how you find potential agents, take the time to choose which one to work with wisely. Its often a good idea to compare several agents to see which one is the best fit for you.

"We really could not have been more pleased with the friendly, personal, reliable and very professional service that you provided us. As first-time home buyers we were very uncertain about much of the process and had many questions. You are a very patient listener, addressing our questions and even our unspoken concerns, and you helped us feel comfortable throughout the process. Thank you again for taking your business so seriously and for your personal attention to our needs and concerns. In spite of other recommendations, we would not have considered another Realtor. Thanks again," 

Brian & Wilma Strong, Cotati

Five Factors to Consider in Choosing a Real Estate Agent:
1. How does the agent do business?
2. What are the agent's qualifications?
3. What is the agent's experience level?
4. What specific skills does the agent have?
5. Intangible factors.

As in any professional relationship, your choice of real estate agent can make a big difference in how well your transaction turns out. Take your time, give it some thought and make the best possible choice.

1.      How does the agent do business?

·        Volume Agents. Through extensive advertising, these agents attract a large number of clients, then handle the clients by using systems, standardized procedures and by using agent assistants. The volume agent typically meets with the buyer or seller initially, and then leaves the bulk of the task of selling the home or showing buyers properties to the assistants. If you talk to a volume agent, ask about how much time you will be working directly with him. There is nothing wrong with this business model, you just need to be aware of what services you will receive and from whom.

·        Personal Service Agents. These agents approach is to work directly with a limited number of clients and provide a high degree of individual service; explaining options and choices, guiding the client through the transaction, being available to talk directly with the client, delivering documents, being present at closing and making every effort to ensure that the transaction goes smoothly and to the clients satisfaction. Typically, these agents do not rely heavily on advertising. They look more to referrals from satisfied customers to develop their business.

2.      What are the agents qualifications?    

·        Real estate credentials.  Does he have any certifications or special credentials that show he is dedicated to the profession? Does he have a real estate agent license or has he attained a real estate broker license? Has the agent completed any specific training? By the way, the realtor designation indicates that the agent subscribes to a high standard of ethics; however, it does not connote any special education or training.

·        Knowledge. Does he have the knowledge of the real estate industry, real estate transactions, financing sources, laws and legal requirements, home values, market conditions, etc. to guide you through the process of selling or buying your home? 

3.      What is the agents experience level?

·        The more transactions an agent has been through, the more he understands about the home buying and selling process and what to expect. He will also have more of a feel for problem areas and how to avoid them. Generally, the more experience, the better. Experience does matter.

·        Dont judge an agent solely on the number of  real estate transactions completed. That may not tell the whole story. Example: If an agent comes from the title insurance industry, she might have handled hundreds of real estate transactions in her prior career and, at least in the area of escrows, would have more experience than an agent with years of experience.

·        Dont judge an agent solely by amount of time he has been in the real estate industry. Some agents just don't do much business. Also, agents who have real estate related work experience such as a contractor or loan officer or life experience such as a landlord or real estate investor have special insights based upon their experience that can be valuable.

4.      What specific skills does the agent have? Here are some that would be helpful for an agent to have:

·        Contract drafting skills. In both buying and selling, the contract drives the transaction. Sure, forms are often used, but the agent needs to know how to do it right; what terms and contingencies to put in and what addendums to add to best protect you.

·        Negotiation skills. The agent will be making and receiving offers in your behalf and negotiating contract terms and conditions. He should understand negotiating techniques and how to use them to your advantage.

·        People skills. People will refuse to do business with people they dislike and many a deal has been lost through an abrasive or offensive agent. Your agent should be able to work well with the other agent and party and make them want to do business with you.

·        Client skills. Your agent must be willing to listen to you and understand what you want and need. He  should sincerely want to help you achieve your goals, be willing explain the buying or selling process in detail and guide you through each step of your transaction.

5.      Intangible factors. These may be difficult to quantify, but are very important to consider:

·        Do you believe the agent is trustworthy and has integrity?

·        Do you feel that he truly has your best interests at heart?

·        Do you like this person; will you enjoy working with him?

·        Will you be proud to have him represent you?

·        What does your intuition tell you; does it feel right?

The agent you choose to represent you will have a major impact on the success or failure of your real estate transaction. Think carefully and choose wisely.