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To buy or sell a house you need
to put together a team that can effectively navigate the process.
You are the most important member of that team, but a Majestic real
estate agent can help complement your strengths and help you make
the right decisions. |
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The agent's role |
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The following table lists some
of the common services that we offer buyers and sellers. Think about
which roles you want your agent to perform: |
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Services |
Buyers |
Sellers |
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Knowledge of the
market and neighborhood |
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Knowledge of the
process |
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Help finding houses |
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Help
pricing the house |
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Help marketing
the house |
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houses |
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Advice on getting
specialists (inspectors, contractors, etc.) |
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Help negotiating
the price |
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The right agent |
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There are a lot of real estate
agents out there. There are many, many good ones. But, to find the
best match for you, you need to know what you are looking for. |
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You should look for an agent with
these qualities: |
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Expertise in key areas |
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Different agents have different
skills. In some cities, there are agents that specialize in certain
housing types (like lofts). Or, if you are primarily looking for an
agent to do your negotiating, you should get an agent who has a lot
of experience making deals. |
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Local market knowledge |
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Having a seasoned agent who is
not an expert in the area you want can be like asking your podiatrist
to do a triple bi-pass surgery. An agent who is active in the market
every day will have a good sense of what houses are worth --- and
which ones will hold their value over time. |
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Communication style |
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Although buying and selling a
house is a business transaction, it is also a highly emotional and
personal one. You should work with an agent who understands your needs.
An agent who understands you well will anticipate issues that may
concern you --- even if you haven't thought about them yet. |
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And, the agent represents you
to the other people in the transaction. Make sure you are comfortable
with the agent's style and methods. |
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Resources |
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It isn't necessary to hire an
agent from a national brokerage house, but you should be sure that
they have the resources that you require. Don't get stuck with an
agent who doesn't have the tools to get the job done. |
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Contacts |
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If you are looking at a fixer
upper, you may want your agent to suggest some great, reasonable contractors. |
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Professionalism |
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The best agents are busy. They
are respected real estate professionals who take their job seriously
and serve their clients well. Make sure that your agent isn't just
dabbling in real estate. |
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But your agent should also have
enough time to provide you with the service you need. If you want
to see lots and lots of houses and your agent is too busy with other
clients, then they won't be the best one for you. |
