Your real estate agent is like your co–pilot. You're on a shared journey. You're visiting new areas, scoping out different locations and assessing the surroundings together. And then, when you think you're ready, your co–pilot will bring both of you in for a smooth landing.
In short, your real estate agent guides your search for the perfect home, steering you toward those that fit your budget and your lifestyle. And when it comes time to make an offer, an experienced agent will lead you through the negotiations so you can get an accepted offer and make it to the closing table.
You should expect your agent to:
- Help you find your ideal home at the right price,
- Answer all of your real–estate related questions,
- Provide helpful information about neighborhoods, shopping, local schools, tax rates and safety,
- Handle the negotiations with the seller and work to get you a fair price, and
- Represent your needs overall.
How do you find the perfect co–pilot? The most important thing you can do is educate yourself. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Check reviews on Zillow and other sites. Do some research to see if there's an agent who specializes in the neighborhood or town you're interested in. Don't do business with someone simply because you saw an ad or got a flyer in the mail.
Bottom line: You're going to be spending a lot of time with your agent so it's really important to find someone who gets you and your needs.
