Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Finding the right real estate agent need not be the hardest part of looking for or selling property. But it can be as important as any other part of the process.  It will make all the difference in how the rest of the process goes. Like most communities, there’s more than one agency and many agents in each agency. Finding the right real estate agent will get you through the times when things don’t go as planned at your end or at the other end, and that happens!

Here is a beginning checklist to work down as you look for the right agent.

1. Referrals are a good way to begin finding the right real estate agent. Ask your family, friends, people you work with, call a local title company or the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Office.

2. Real estate listings in the local newspaper and real estate magazines will tell you who the more active agents are and as important, how they present themselves and the properties they have for sale. Is that how you would like to be represented? You might start by looking for the ads of the agents referred to you. Check to see if they have their own presence on the internet, a website or a blog.

3. Interview 2 or 3 real estate agents you feel you might want to represent you. In person is always best but you can start with a phone call.  This is better than email because you can hear the voice behind the words. Here are a few questions to start the conversation and build on.  Remember you are not simply looking for the answers to these questions but also how they are answered, how the real estate agent engages with you. This relationship may be a short one, or it may go on for a time.
a. How long have you worked in this community?
b. What will the working relationship be like?
c. (If you are new to real estate ask) can you describe the process involved in selling/buying real
estate?
Then, how do you feel talking with them? Do they clearly explain things to you? Are they patient with your questions? Do you feel they are answering your questions or just giving you stock answers? Are they good listeners?

Again, finding the right real estate agent need not be difficult but it should never be taken for granted. Don’t just walk into the first agency and up to the first agent you see. Along with the emotions involved of finding your dream property or selling the home your family grew up in, there are legal and financial issues. None of this needs to be scary or unnecessarily complicated for anyone, and it won’t be when guided by the right real estate agent.

Cindy Lindgren, The Mendocino County Landlady

As a Ukiah real estate professional, I have had the joy of helping individuals, couples, and families buy and sell Mendocino County real estate and Ukiah homes for over 30 years.

Contact me anytime if you want to sell your home or land or receive a free custom listing of properties.

cindy@the-landlady.com

707-972-2094

 

Basic questions to consider when purchasing land (improved or unimproved real estate)

Owning land has been a dream of many people. I often receive calls asking about a specific parcel I have advertised. I ask the following questions to learn how to best help them find the property they are looking for, and assist them in purchasing it.

1. What are your plans for the land: are you thinking of building a home, having a garden, growing grapes, raising animals, or using it for recreation, etc.?
2. Have you thought about areas in the county you would like to know more about or live in?
3. What are the key features you are looking for on the land? View, seclusion, existing paved or gravel access, power, water features, springs, developed water, creeks, rock outcrops, redwood trees, oak trees, fir trees, range land, level or hill land, etc.
4. Location:  How far would you consider driving to the nearest town, a major city, school, hospital?
5. What is the maximum amount you want to spend?
6. Will you need financing?
7. How much of a down payment will you have to invest?
8. Have you been pre-qualified by a lender?
9. Will you need owner financing?

If the buyer does not have a lender, I recommend a few lenders. Submitting an offer from a buyer who has been pre-qualified by a lender will often make the difference in having the offer accepted.

This is the beginning of the process when a buyer is ready to work with an agent.

My next blog will be “How to find the right agent.”

Cindy Lindgren, The Mendocino County Landlady

As a Ukiah real estate professional, I have had the joy of helping individuals, couples, and families buy and sell Mendocino County real estate and Ukiah homes for over 30 years.

Contact me anytime if you want to sell your home or land or receive a free custom listing of properties.

cindy@the-landlady.com

707-972-2094