Comments on: We Are Moving To Los Angeles And Are Looking For A Great Real Estate Agent. Any Suggestions? http://realestatelicensedirect.com/we-are-moving-to-los-angeles-and-are-looking-for-a-great-real-estate-agent-any-suggestions/ Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:06:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: happy2b_ http://realestatelicensedirect.com/we-are-moving-to-los-angeles-and-are-looking-for-a-great-real-estate-agent-any-suggestions/comment-page-1/#comment-2083 happy2b_ Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:39:16 +0000 http://realestatelicensedirect.com/we-are-moving-to-los-angeles-and-are-looking-for-a-great-real-estate-agent-any-suggestions/#comment-2083 I'd recommend visiting some open houses and talking to the agents that are "sitting" them. Talk to at least 12 agents before you decide who to work with, and look for 4 characteristics in the agent you choose: 1) intelligent 2) friendly 3) inexperienced 4) works in a large office Intelligent, they will be able to understand what you are talking about Friendly, anyone who acts aloof or seems distracted will not give you the level service you deserve Inexperienced, a big plus because they will have more time available to spend on your deal Works in a big office, they will be able to draw on the experience of other agents/coaches, and the title companies and lenders will provide a better level of service to an office with a lot of agents. I’d recommend visiting some open houses and talking to the agents that are “sitting” them. Talk to at least 12 agents before you decide who to work with, and look for 4 characteristics in the agent you choose:
1) intelligent
2) friendly
3) inexperienced
4) works in a large office
Intelligent, they will be able to understand what you are talking about
Friendly, anyone who acts aloof or seems distracted will not give you the level service you deserve
Inexperienced, a big plus because they will have more time available to spend on your deal
Works in a big office, they will be able to draw on the experience of other agents/coaches, and the title companies and lenders will provide a better level of service to an office with a lot of agents.

]]> By: 1veY http://realestatelicensedirect.com/we-are-moving-to-los-angeles-and-are-looking-for-a-great-real-estate-agent-any-suggestions/comment-page-1/#comment-2082 1veY Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:16:10 +0000 http://realestatelicensedirect.com/we-are-moving-to-los-angeles-and-are-looking-for-a-great-real-estate-agent-any-suggestions/#comment-2082 You can ask a real estate agent you now know where you currently live to refer an agent they know or trust from one of those cities. If they do not personally know one they can check out references and credentials for you from other agents they network with in order to find an agent for you that specializes in these certain areas. A referral is always better than just looking on the internet or choosing a stranger from the phonebook in my opinion. I would be looking for a REALTOR vs just a plain real estate agent (there is a difference) as well as one which works for a major, reputable firm such as RE/MAX or Keller Williams etc rather than NoShmoe Realty. If you are looking to buy it would be good to have a REALTOR with the ABR designation as an additional creditional as well as possibly CDPE in this market or a designation of particular equality. These designations which look like vegetable soup to most people will be along side a real estate agents or REALTORs card under or alongside their name. They signify extra education an agent has completed in order to service their clients better in particular areas. ABR stands for Accredited Buyers Representative (training to represent buyers best interest) and CDPE stands for Certified Distressed Property Expert (for handling intricacies involved with shortsales,foreclosures and bank owned properties) There are many more to include SRS (senior resedential specialist) CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) Luxury Home Specialist etc. too many to list here. The main things to look for are a REALTOR that specializes in buyer agency (ABR) and is very familiar with the area you are looking to purchase your new home in. Don't have a listing agent from the other side of the city try to represent your best interests. And don't be afraid to go and interview 3-4 different agents. The one which was referred to you and a few you find yourself by browsing area websites or walking into local agencies in the area. Bring a list of questions with you and interview agents. Ask what areas they specialize in. How long they have been in the business, are they part time or full time. Ask what they think the absorption rate is at the moment. If they can't answer this last question or give you a blank stare- go find yourself a more knowledgable agent. They too will be trying to interview you and find out if you are a good candidate as a client so be as honest and forthright as possible. Yet at the same time make sure you stay in control of the conversation and the situation. You are basically in essence the 'employer' in this situation- even though as a buyer you will rarely have to pay for buyer agent services- make sure you do ask if they charge for their services. Remember a home purchase is a major financial decision and a life changing occurence which should be entrusted to only someone which you feel is qualified to represent your best interests. It is up to you to decide who this person will be. Choose wisely. It is important to find an agent you are comfortable with and feel you can ultimately trust to guide you along the way since you may be spending quite a bit of time together in the process. Happy Home Hunting! You can ask a real estate agent you now know where you currently live to refer an agent they know or trust from one of those cities. If they do not personally know one they can check out references and credentials for you from other agents they network with in order to find an agent for you that specializes in these certain areas. A referral is always better than just looking on the internet or choosing a stranger from the phonebook in my opinion. I would be looking for a REALTOR vs just a plain real estate agent (there is a difference) as well as one which works for a major, reputable firm such as RE/MAX or Keller Williams etc rather than NoShmoe Realty. If you are looking to buy it would be good to have a REALTOR with the ABR designation as an additional creditional as well as possibly CDPE in this market or a designation of particular equality. These designations which look like vegetable soup to most people will be along side a real estate agents or REALTORs card under or alongside their name. They signify extra education an agent has completed in order to service their clients better in particular areas. ABR stands for Accredited Buyers Representative (training to represent buyers best interest) and CDPE stands for Certified Distressed Property Expert (for handling intricacies involved with shortsales,foreclosures and bank owned properties) There are many more to include SRS (senior resedential specialist) CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) Luxury Home Specialist etc. too many to list here. The main things to look for are a REALTOR that specializes in buyer agency (ABR) and is very familiar with the area you are looking to purchase your new home in. Don’t have a listing agent from the other side of the city try to represent your best interests. And don’t be afraid to go and interview 3-4 different agents. The one which was referred to you and a few you find yourself by browsing area websites or walking into local agencies in the area. Bring a list of questions with you and interview agents. Ask what areas they specialize in. How long they have been in the business, are they part time or full time. Ask what they think the absorption rate is at the moment. If they can’t answer this last question or give you a blank stare- go find yourself a more knowledgable agent. They too will be trying to interview you and find out if you are a good candidate as a client so be as honest and forthright as possible. Yet at the same time make sure you stay in control of the conversation and the situation. You are basically in essence the ‘employer’ in this situation- even though as a buyer you will rarely have to pay for buyer agent services- make sure you do ask if they charge for their services. Remember a home purchase is a major financial decision and a life changing occurence which should be entrusted to only someone which you feel is qualified to represent your best interests. It is up to you to decide who this person will be. Choose wisely. It is important to find an agent you are comfortable with and feel you can ultimately trust to guide you along the way since you may be spending quite a bit of time together in the process. Happy Home Hunting!

]]> By: not 2 B fooled http://realestatelicensedirect.com/we-are-moving-to-los-angeles-and-are-looking-for-a-great-real-estate-agent-any-suggestions/comment-page-1/#comment-2081 not 2 B fooled Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:01:51 +0000 http://realestatelicensedirect.com/we-are-moving-to-los-angeles-and-are-looking-for-a-great-real-estate-agent-any-suggestions/#comment-2081 There are many to choose from; probably best to do some "homework" and look online for homes in the areas you are interested in, and see who the agencies are...www.realtor.com is one such 'site. (PS you do know that those areas will command lots of $$$) There are many to choose from; probably best to do some “homework” and look online for homes in the areas you are interested in, and see who the agencies are…www.realtor.com is one such ‘site. (PS you do know that those areas will command lots of $$$)

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