As a home shopper, there are a few things you can do to make your life easier…and that is to make your agent’s job easier. You two have aligned goals, so it is best to work with each other instead of against each other. I have observed both sides of the transaction enough times to know a few of the items consumers can do to help their REALTOR®. Here is that list.
Be Upfront and Communicative
All good relationships are built on a foundation of good communication. Let your agent know what you want, and what you expect of them. And vice-versa, agents should let them know what they expect of you. If you have concerns, let your agent know! This is like keeping a secret from your significant other, and expecting things to work themselves out. If there are any conflicts, bring them up right away so it can be resolved as quickly as possible.
Be Realistic
It is okay to give an offer lower than the asking price. However, offering $250,000 on a $350,000 listing will not get you very far. If you are looking for a bargain, let your agent know and they will help you find the type of home you want within your budget.
Share on Social Media
You know what will make an agent’s life easier? Referrals! We aren’t asking you to actively seek out new clients for agent, but to share your positive experiences with them. Write a review on Zillow, or tag their Facebook Business page when you announce to your friends you have a new home. A little can go a long way. And you never know who else is currently researching to buy or sell a home on your friends list. They will be quick to jump in with advice to help you, and to give your agent more insight. Marketing for real estate agents can be made easier if happy clients are talking about them online.
Utilize Your Resources
You hired your real estate agent because they are experts in the real estate market. Trust them to be able to answer any questions you might have. With that said, it is also up to you as an informed consumer to do your own research. There are plenty of online resources available, including your agent’s website, to get most of your questions answered. Finding homes for sale in Andover, MA is something you can certainly find on your agent’s website. If you want a home under $250,000 in Andover, MA and there has only been 2 such homes that have sold in 2 years…t hat might be something you should ask your agent about.
Know What You Want
Part of doing your research before hiring an agent is seeing what the housing inventory looks like, and knowing what you want. It is understandable that new information comes up that may sway your decision making, but having a clear idea of what you want in a home before scheduling showings will save both parties a good amount of time and stress.
At the end of the day, your real estate agent wants what is best for you. And you should want what is best for you. They have the experience and training to make the process go as smooth as possible. So, let’s help them out too shall we?
Other Resources:
- Sharon Paxson Home Buying Information
- Bill Gassett 7 Habits of Highly Effective Home Buyers
- Xavier De Buck 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home
“Making Your Life Easier By Making Your Agent’s Job Easier” was written by Pacifico Ortiz Luis, the Marketing and Products Coordinator for Zurple, Inc. Zurple is a behavioral lead intelligence software designed to nurture leads, while agents close them.
