Why you need a good agent

Its a tough market out there. Whether you renting, buying or selling you definitely need the knowledge and negotiation skills to make it in the property market. Entering can be quit overwhelming, especially with the unsteadiness the market shows in the difficult times we facing.

With all this said, it is clear that having a good agent can only benefit you and your endeavors. Buying or selling has become tricky business therefore having an agent on your side can definitely make the world of difference.

Choosing An Agent: Ten Things To Remember

How do you find a good agent? James Brooks offers the following tips:

1. Word Of Mouth: Sellers should check that the agent has a good reputation. Ask around and neighbours will always have a point of view: word of mouth is very valuable.
2. Do Your Homework: Use listing sites to look for similar properties in your area and see what the asking prices are – but remember: selling prices usually differ from the asking price.
3. Be Wary Of The Desperate: Sellers should be immediately alarmed by an agent who over-values their property. Don’t trust an agent who always tells you what you want to hear. Buyers are active at the moment, but only at the right price.
4. Justify Valuations: Look at the agent’s track record. Ask to see similar properties that they have recently sold. Ask them about the current market and what can be done to secure a sale. If they’re not convincing, look elsewhere.
5. Pretend To Be A Buyer: Pop into their office pretending to be a buyer. The seller should be looking to see if the branch is busy, if they receive a good service from a buyers’ point of view and the types of properties that are suggested to them. The question really is: do I trust these people to sell my house and do a great job of it?
6. Managing the Process: Once a sale has been agreed, managing and communicating with the chain is very important. The agent needs to keep all parties happy and the deal on track. Ask the agent how they deal with the process, ask for examples of recent deals, and the kind of problems you might encounter in the current market.

To these, Russell Jervis, managing director of Haart, adds four more:

7. Have They Sold Properties Like Yours? Check they have handled properties similar to yours by researching websites and newspapers. Another good tip is to look at the sale boards in your area to find out which agent has the most sold boards.
8. Testimonials: Check for testimonials – a recommendation from another client is worth its weight in gold.
9. Have They Buyers On Their Books? Check that they have applicants on their books looking for your type of property. Any agent worth their salt should have a selection of potential viewers they can contact.
10. How Will They Market It? Find out how the agent will market your property. They should be able to offer your property maximum exposure on both the web and through newspaper advertising. Is your agent’s office buzzing with the sound of negotiators on the telephone or are they just sitting behind a computer screen?
(www.findaproperty.com)