As a prospective homeowner, selecting the right real estate agent in Dallas, Frisco, or anywhere else in Texas is critical. Your Frisco REALTOR® will keep you abreast of this rapidly changing industry, swings in market conditions, and the availability and demand for property inventory. Your agent also guards your legal interests when facing tough negotiations or confusing contracts.
The safest way to hire a strong Dallas real estate agent is to interview more than one specialist.
Here are 10 tips to guide you:
Identify at least three (preferably five) Texas real estate professionals.
- Look around your neighborhood. Is the same for-sale sign in every other yard? Call this Frisco REALTOR and arrange an interview.
- Use the Internet. You're already on the kerriwattsrealtor.com Web site.
- Ask a neighbor or friend. Who helped them buy their home? Which real estate agent in Dallas would they hire if they decided to buy?
Interview the real estate professionals you have identified. Having a conversation with the person is a good way to find out if your personalities and goals match. Here are things you want to ask:
- "Are you a REALTOR?" You will have the best luck finding the right home if you work with a REALTOR, not simply a real estate agent. REALTORS are members of the National Association of Realtors. They are generally full-time agents who have committed financially, educationally and professionally to being an expert in the real estate industry.
- How often will you notify me of new listings?" In some Texas markets, houses enter the market and sell within the first hour. You need a Dallas REALTOR who is serious about finding a home you'll love. Buyers should expect to hear from their agent whenever a home matching their description appears on the market.
- "How often can I expect to hear from you?" Just because your dream house isn't on the market yet doesn't mean you won't have questions. Be sure to work out an arrangement with your Frisco REALTOR from the beginning.
- "How quickly can I expect you to return phone calls?" You don't want to be ignored. If the Frisco REALTOR doesn't have a callback policy ("You'll hear back from me within two hours/30 minutes/before the day ends"), you may not get the service you expect.
- "Are you a full-time Frisco REALTOR?" "Hobby agents" aren't as capable of meeting your expectations because their attention is divided by other responsibilities. Limit your search to full-time real estate agents.
- "Who will you represent in my Texas real estate transaction?" Depending on local laws, the Dallas REALTOR representing you may be a subagent for the seller (not what you want as a buyer). Find an agent who can truly represent your interests without having to bow to another client. You may want to consider hiring a Buyers Agent.
- "Will you give me your honest feedback?" Avoid "yes-men." If you can't find your dream house because it simply doesn't exist at the price you've quoted, you need more options. When you find a strong Dallas real estate agent, you get more out of each meeting.
- "How long have you actively worked in the area?" While the answer to this question shouldn't necessarily be a deal-breaker, an Frisco REALTOR who has worked in the area a long time may be more aware of properties that match your description.
Compare interview notes. Think about each agent, and decide which one is right for you. You should choose someone aggressive, but who doesn't make you feel anxious or pressured.
Experience pays. Experienced Texas real estate agents in Dallas, Frisco, and across Texas often earn designations that separate them from the pack. These designations are earned through training that helps the agent become a specialist in certain areas. Pay attention to agents who have designations listed after their names on business cards. Specifically ask the agent what each one means.
Find a Frisco REALTOR who is savvy about technology. Through the online tools available to agents these days, you can expect nearly immediate e-mails about new property listings and quick replies to your queries.
Ask for references from your Texas REALTOR®. This shouldn't be a big deal; it's a last-step investigation that could confirm or reject your impression of the agent.
Before signing a contract, know that the term "Disclosed Dual Agent" often means that the real estate agency does not represent your interests 100 percent. Try using a Buyers Agent to represent you.
Buyer agency agreements are common, but be careful. What if the Frisco REALTOR doesn't follow up with you? What if you don't get along? What if the agent doesn't understand your needs? Remember that a buyer agency agreement is negotiable, and you can help negotiate the specific terms.
Select a strong negotiator. Ask your Frisco REALTOR whether he or she has ever been in a tough negotiation and how he or she negotiated a fair price.
Talk money. Usually the seller foots the bill for a real estate professional's commission, but don't assume this will be the case. Ask point-blank what your financial obligations are throughout the process. Your Texas real estate agent at Frisco has the knowledge and experience to provide you with a smooth, hassle-free transaction. |
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Why Use a REALTOR® ?
We are thinking of buying a home. Who should we contact?
Contact a REALTOR® first, to discuss the market, as well as your situation and needs. A REALTOR® is well informed regarding various lending opportunities and can professionally assist you in the various steps and stages of the home buying process.
We have heard that we can buy or sell a home without using a REALTOR®. Is that a good idea?
You can learn a great deal when working on your own to buy or sell real estate, however there are a number of very costly mistakes that can be made. A REALTOR® will save you time and money. REALTORS® are familiar with the entire transaction process and will be such a valued advisor during what can be a very emotional, confusing, and stressful time in your lives.
How is a REALTOR® different from a real estate licensee?
Holding a real estate license or real estate broker’s license does NOT make someone a REALTOR®. The main thing that distinguishes a REALTOR® from someone who’s merely licensed by the state to sell real estate is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which requires ALL REALTORS® to put their clients’ Interests first at all times. Choosing a REALTOR® means you’ve selected someone who is committed to continuing education, professionalism, and integrity. REALTORS® participate in the multiple listing service (MLS), which gives you a distinct advantage whether you’re selling your home or looking for that special property. The word “REALTOR®” is a trademark of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. It is a copyrighted word that only applies to specific people. Real Estate agents may only call themselves REALTORS® if they belong to the National Association of REALTORS® and have sworn to uphold its strict Code of Ethics.
What will my REALTOR® do for me?
The main job of a REALTOR® is to facilitate every part of the transaction for the buyer or seller. If a REALTOR® is representing the Buyer, the REALTOR® has agreed to assist the Buyer in finding a property, making decisions on the value of the property, preparing an offer on the property and working with the Mortgage Company, Title Company, and the Seller’s agent to finalize the transaction.
How does a REALTOR® get paid?
Commissions are determined by the market, and buyers and sellers are able to negotiate with REALTORS® to determine a fair payment arrangement. As with all negotiations, you ultimately “get what you pay for”, so consumers must evaluate each potential REALTOR®, their services, and their reputation when making arrangements for compensation. REALTORS® may choose to work at an hourly rate or a specific fee based on services provided, instead of on a commission bases. Each potential buyer or seller should discuss specific payment options and expectations at the very beginning of the working relationship.
How do I choose a REALTOR®? What questions should I ask?
Choose a REALTOR® with care, as you would a lawyer or doctor. Communication will be the key to your relationship with you REALTOR®.
The following guidelines can help you locate the right REALTOR® for you.
- Talk with friends, neighbors, and co-workers who have recently bought or sold a home. What kind of service did they receive? Would they use the same REALTOR® again?
- Visit an open house. Were you shown the home in a professional manner? Did the agent know the property and how to market it?
- Focus on real estate companies that specialize in residential sales. Look for “sold” signs in your area or ask neighbors who reperesented them in their purchase.
Be prepared to interview a potential REALTOR®. Here are some great questions to ask:
- How long have you worked in real estate?
- Is real estate your full-time job?
- Are you a licensed REALTOR®?
- Which REALTOR® Association are you a member of?
- Do you belong to the MLS?
- How many buyers and seller have you worked with in the past year? How many of them have “closed a deal” with you?
- Do you have any assistants who work with you? What do they do?
- Do you have any designations, certifications, or specialized training?
- How do you stay in touch with your clients?
Do I have to sign a contract with a REALTOR®?
Choose your REALTOR® carefully. Wait until you are certain you have chosen a REALTOR® that you feel comfortable with. Once you do elect to use a REALTOR® as your buyer’s representative or as your listing agent, then you should have a written agreement before proceeding. Check your contract for a clause which allows you to dissolve the relationship with that REALTOR® through a cancellation notice in writing, providing that the REALTOR® has not already handled the majority of your transaction needs, such as finding your chosen property or negotiating a fair price for you.
What if I have a problem with my REALTOR®?
REALTORS® are required to uphold a strict Code of Ethics and treat their clients and customers with the highest levels of integrity, honesty and service. However, if you have a complaint, you should first contact your REALTOR’s® Broker or office manager. If you cannot resolve your concerns with the Broker, you should contact the local REALTOR® association. The public, as well as members of the association, can bring complaints before the association’s professional standards committee. If warranted disciplinary action will then be taken by the association. Your REALTOR® is also governed by the state real estate licensing laws set forth by the Texas Real Estate Commission. A real estate broker or licensee who is not a REALTOR® is governed only by state licensing laws through the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Why would my REALTOR® be motivated to make sure I stay satisfied long after the transaction?
According to a recent survey by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, the number one source of business for a REALTOR® is referrals from former customers and clients. That means that your REALTOR® is motivated to be certain that you are satisfied with his or her service from beginning to end in hopes that you will tell your friends and family about his or her performance. In addition, most REALTORS® prefer to become a trusted counselor who will help a person or family purchase not one, but several, homes over a long period of time.
Taken from Metrotex Realtor Association: www.dfwrealtors.com |
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General Information
