HELP US HELP YOU
Real estate agents are more like matchmakers than they are like salesmen. When you’re looking for your dream home, you don’t want someone to sell you something that’s not right for you; you want someone to find your perfect match. After all, buying a home is a serious commitment. It might not be “till death do you part” but it is a long-term relationship that can have a significant impact on your happiness.
And while matchmakers, I mean real estate agents, are experts at finding “the one”, they can’t do that without your help. Here’s how you can help them discover your perfect match.
HOW TO BE A GOOD REAL ESTATE CLIENT
OPEN COMMUNICATION
The key to any good relationship is open, honest communication. You should tell your agent what you like, what you don’t, what your deal breakers are, and what you can afford.
5 Points Realty broker Ian Leonard says honest feedback is critical. “We don’t want to waste our clients’ time (or ours) if the homes we are looking at are more than they want to spend. Don’t be polite; just tell us.”
Open communication extends to outside parties working to make the sale happen. Respond to attorneys or any other providers when they ask for information.
TRUST ME
Real estate agents are experts in buying and selling homes in their specific area. They operate under a code of ethics to be honest, fair, and act in their clients’ best interest at all times. They know the ins and outs of neighborhoods, homeowners’ associations, contracts, inspections and negotiations; trust them! That is not to say you shouldn’t ask questions or disagree with your agent. Ian says, “If you trust me, listen to what I’m telling you, not what your friend heard from someone else.”
HAVE AN OPEN MIND
Most home buyers have a target neighborhood, school district or model type in mind before they start working with an agent. And we think it’s great to know what you want! But we also ask that you are willing to listen to new ideas.
“We know our market,” says broker Beverly Newell. “I’ve introduced neighborhoods to folks who had firmly chosen an area only to find it either wasn’t in the budget or didn’t offer what was needed. Being willing to look just a smidge further can yield fantastic results. Not only does the buyer need to be teachable, but the agent as well. New scenarios come up all the time. Being flexible and willing to learn is key.”
“Focus on the big picture,” says 5 Points Realty broker and co-owner Edwin Wilson, Jr.. “Be open-minded and don’t get bogged down in the details (which can often change).”
REALITY BITES
MAN: I’m a part-time cat therapist.
WOMAN: I’m a full-time college student.
Our budget is $2.2 million.
Buying a home isn’t at all like it appears to be on TV. Real estate reality shows are totally unrealistic. “Home TV shows give the wrong idea,” says 5 Points Realty broker Beverly Newell. “They are all scripted.” The topic made headlines earlier this year when a real estate CEO said the shows were “horrible” for the industry.
Finding a home that fits your family’s lifestyle and budget is what brokers do best. We get to know you – your needs, your dreams, your goals – and then we introduce you to potential matches. It just might be love at first sight.