Does your agent ever fail to respond to your e-mail, questions, give advice when needed or fail to negotiate that perfect deal?

There are several reasons you may or may not need to look elsewhere for the best real estate agent, here are the top 7 the way we see it.

Part time or full time? Would you hire a part time surgeon, how about a part time lawyer to defend your side? No, why not? Of course you wouldn’t, why hire a part time agent. Part time agents are just that, part time, they will part time you ads, part time your phone calls and questions and part time the negotiation of your biggest investment. Not smart. Look at it in this light, who is more determined someone who takes the job serious as a full time career or one who does it for something to do on the side?

I will show you mine if you show me…or wait a minute, I will just show you mine. Some agent’s only show their own listings, they might not admit it but keep watch. Are you really seeing all properties that fit your needs or are you being shuttled from one in house listing to another? If you are not seeing all properties it’s obvious you may be missing out. A good agent keeps you in the loop of ALL available properties out there.

How is the attitude today? Every real estate agent is licensed by the state in which he or she practices. State agencies, meanwhile, keep the records of all disciplinary actions taken against their agents. By getting in touch with the agency that oversees the real-estate industry in your state, you can find out if there is a disciplinary action on your agent’s record. It’s also a good idea to check with the state agency simply to ensure that your agent is in fact licensed – as scam artists have been known to pose as real-estate agents to perpetrate fraud.

Cat got your tongue? Some agents simply open doors, a monkey can do that! Look for an agent that will speak, give you advice, NOT pressure but advice, guidance and help with what to look for and what does not matter. A good agent will keep you apprised on the market conditions, home values, inspections and more.
HELLO! Where did you go? Just like in any partnership, marriage and friendship communication is key to success. I have listed so many homes where the seller will say “the last agent seemed so nice but then the sign went in and we never heard from them again”. Don’t get caught in this trap. Are you getting e-mails returned, phone calls returned in an appropriate matter of time? Are you being updates and suggestions being made to what the next best step is?
Bah, we just need to put it on the MLS & wait! Wrong, the MLS and Internet will attribute to the bulk of leads no doubt but why pay a fee than if that’s all you get. Find an agent that networks through other agents, offices, Internet, blogs and so on. Watch if you are getting this, if not look elsewhere.

Price, Price & did I say price? Many agents will tell you what you want to hear not what you should hear. Do some research on your own, browse a couple web sites or ours. Find other active homes like yours or sold homes like yours. Know a “ballpark” idea of value before an agent sells you on a big pipe dream. You never want to list to low as much as you never want to list to high. Homes listed to low are by rookie agents who are guessing and homes listed to high typically sell for at least 7%-10% LESS than they would have if properly priced right to start with.

All in all if you see, hear or feel any of these things happening to you run, don’t walk, don’t collect $200 and find a hire a new REALTOR quick!

We can be reached at 612-282-7653 if you need any help buying or selling in the Twin cities and surrounding suburb market.

Derrick