TIPS FOR CHOOSING AN AGENT

Picking an agent to truly represent your best interests as you go through your home buying process could be as important as finding the right loan program for you. We have scores of agents we are happy to refer to you, but if you want to find your own agent, here are a few helpful tips to consider:

 

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TALK WITH RECENT CLIENTS

Ask agents to provide a list of what they've  listed and sold in the last year with contact information. Ask what the asking price was and what the sales price was.

VERIFY LICENSING & CREDIBILITY

Check with your state's regulatory body to find out if the person is licensed and if there have been any disciplinary actions or complaints against them.

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SELECT AN AGENT WITH THE

RIGHT CREDENTIALS

Look at real estate agents who have had additional training and continuing education certifications like CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist). If the agent calls himself a Realtor with a capital "R", that means he's a member of the National Association of Realtors and pledges to support the NAMB code of ethics.

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REVIEW THEIR CURRENT LISTINGS

Check out the agent's listings online. Two places to look are the agency's own site and Realtor.com. You also can look at how closely the agent's listings mirror the property you want to buy. Are they in the same area? Is the price range similar? And does the agent have enough listings to indicate a healthy business but not so many that you'd just be a number?

PICK A WINNER

Peer-given awards count, "Realtor of the Year" designation awarded by the state or local branch of the National Association of Realtors is a huge endorsement.

HOW LONG HAS THE AGENT

BEEN IN BUSINESS?

You can often find out how long the agent has been selling real estate from the state licensing authority. Or, you can just ask the agent. If they haven't been in business five years, they're learning on you. Ultimately, what you're looking for is someone who is actively engaged in a particular area and price range.

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ASK ABOUT OTHER HOUSES FOR

SALE NEARBY

A good agent should know about other available area properties "off the top of their head". Mention a house in your area that's sold recently or is for sale. If the agent knows the property and can give you a few details, that means he or she really knows your area.

4348 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 200 | Sherman Oaks, California 91403

 o. 818.907.5757 | f. 818.907.5626

2583 North Palm Canyon Drive, #200 | Palm Springs, California 92262

info@kplselect.com

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