Is there anything to be weary of about real estate agents.We have a real estate agent that is helping us look for a condo.We haven't met him yet and was wondering if there is anything that I should keep in mind? Thanks.
If you type the term “real estate coach” in any search engine, you’re likely to see a long list of websites claiming they have the best coaches for you. It’s easy to see why some real estate agents are weary of finding a coach (hint: If they refer to themselves as a guru, you may want to run). Despite all the charlatans, it’s worth investigating whether a coach can help you meet your goals before you chalk them up to being snake oil salesmen. Just like a baseball, football or basketball coach, a real estate coach helps you come up with a game plan. According to Dave Harding, Chief Research Officer for iHave5Questions, real estate coaches offer four main advantages: 1. Helping you set short-term goals to achieve long-term goals you set for yourself. 2. Adding to your skills. 3. Keeping you motivated (to use all your skills, including the ones added by the coach). 4. Holding you accountable and on track, using 2 and 3 to accomplish 1. A good real estate coach excels at keeping you focused on your goals, coming up with workable strategies and having a way of measuring success. According to Bobby Casey, the Managing Director of Global Wealth Protection, “A coach is typically someone who has been through the process you are currently facing and has come through the battlefield victorious. He or she can help guide you and avoid some pitfalls you may otherwise miss. If nothing else this person can shoot down your stupid ideas when you think they are world changing.” They may not make you go to the gym, but they’ll help you build a strong company..................Property Management
I think you mean leery. Weary means tired. Read anything you sign. Most agents want you sign a document stating that they are helping you and that in exchange for helping you they are going to get paid (at closing by the seller). Some states allow you to 'fire' your agent at any point, even during the contract duration. You want one of those clauses present. If you can't stand the person or the job they are doing for you, you want to be able to change agents. Remember that being a real estate agent is the ultimate service job. There are a ton of real estate agents and if you feel anything is sub-par, then fire them. Really. Save yourself the headache. A good real estate agent will listen to what you say, but also pick up on some of the non-verbal cues as to how you react to a shown property. After the first round of showings, the quality of what they show you should improve as they get to know you. Don't get pressured into picking a place too quickly. Real estate agents work on commission (and also word of mouth) so they don't get paid until you close on a property. Keep that in mind. As you look at place after place after place, their hourly rate is dropping as they show you more and more. If you aren't serious about buying yet or are going to take a very long time to make up your mind, be up front about it so they don't get frustrated. Most states have rules about dual-representation, but if you are looking at a listing that your agent has, they stand to make double the commission and might not have all of your best interests at heart. good luck!
