24-17 24th Street, Astoria, N.Y. 11102
E-Mail: homesandinvestment@rcn.com
The following
table lists some of the common services that agents offer buyers and sellers.
Think about which roles you want your agent to perform:
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Buyers |
Sellers |
Homes & Investment |
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 houses |
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Open 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 |
| 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. |
| You should look for an agent with these qualities: |
Expertise In Key Areas |
| 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. |
Local Market Knowledge |
| 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. |
Communication Style |
| 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. |
| And, the agent represents you to the other people in the transaction. Make sure you are comfortable with the agent’s style and methods. |
Resources |
| 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. |
Contacts |
| If you are looking at a fixer upper, you may want your agent to suggest some great, reasonable contractors. |
Professionalism |
| 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. |
| But your agent should also have enough time to provide you with the service you need. |
why not begin the process by contacting Homes & Investment Realty? |
