Finding Your Real Estate Agent

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Whether you are selling or buying a home, selecting a real estate sales professional is one of the most important decisions you will make during the process. There are some very important things you should consider when choosing a real estate professional. One of the first considerations is who the agent represents during the process.

Your real estate agent should perform the following services:
• draw up the "listing agreement" - your formal contract with the real estate brokerage firm
• explain the home-selling process to you in detail
• provide you with a comprehensive market analysis that compares your home with similar properties
• recently sold in your area (individual features, condition, asking and selling prices)
• provide advice on enhancing your home's sales appeal
• design and implement a marketing plan (including advertising schedule) to promote your home
• screen and pre-qualify potential buyers, schedule appointments and bring buyers through
• negotiate the offer to purchase on your behalf and present your counter-offers to the buyer
• generally advise you of legal and financial responsibilities
• assist you in completing the sale

If you are buying a home, the real estate professionals you interview should cover the following:
• agency relationships
• how much home you can afford
• the difference between being "pre-qualified" for a mortgage and being "pre-approved" for a mortgage
• key features you "must have" in your new home vs. those you would like to have
• how to evaluate and compare the homes you see
• an overview of the local standard Contract For Sale along with typical addenda and give you a copy for review
• the types of inspections you will want to have done on the property you select

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