Arizona homes for sale

What to look for and look out for when selecting a realtor November 05, 2001 Most homebuyers and sellers use a real estate agent to help them buy or sell a home. But, not all buyers and sellers have the same degree of success. Real estate transactions can be complicated, and they are often stressful. Finding the right agent to assist you through the experience will make a big difference in your satisfaction level. Basically you are looking for an experienced and trustworthy agent who is professional and knowledgeable. The agent should have expertise in the area where you want to buy or sell. It helps if the agent is energetic and resourceful. A high priority should be to find an agent whom you can develop a good rapport. Rapport is one of the most important qualities to consider in selecting an agent. There's no way to know in advance how long it will take you to buy or sell a home. It could take months. The transaction could go relatively smoothly, or there could be obstacles along the way. If you have a good working relationship with your agent, you'll be able to work through challenging situations with a minimum of stress. Good communication and teamwork are essential to a successful transaction. You might be wondering how you'll know a good agent when you meet one. Your first impressions should tell you a lot. Since rapport is so important, don't even consider working with someone who turns you off. You might meet an agent who is overly aggressive. If you don't relate well to this style, find an agent who has a more subtle approach to sales. Or, an agent might not be aggressive enough for your taste. If so, find yourself a go-getter. Your agent should make your real estate transaction less, not more, stressful for you. You're looking for a good personality fit. Personal recommendations are your best source of agent referrals, particularly if the recommendations come from people whose opinions you trust. Another way to find agents is to visit Sunday open houses in the area where you'll be buying or selling. Visiting an open house gives you an opportunity to observe an agent in action without having to make a commitment. If you like what you see, you can make an appointment to talk further with the agent. FIRST-TIME TIP: Some people interview several agents before selecting one to work with. Be sure to ask the agents you talk with whether they have enough time to give you the attention you deserve. If an agent is spread too thin, you won't be satisfied with the service you receive. Good agents will be candid with you if they're too busy to take on another client. Be aware if you are interviewing agents, that the agents may also be interviewing you. The best agents are in the highest demand because they deliver quality service. These agents are selective in terms of the buyers and sellers they choose to work with. They're looking for buyers and sellers who are serious, trustworthy and with whom they can develop a good rapport. It's a matter of economics for agents. Most real estate agents are paid on a commission basis. They only get paid when a home sale closes. The best agents manage their time well and spend their efforts wisely. THE CLOSING: Some of the best agents have assistants; otherwise they couldn't handle a high volume business. Make sure you understand upfront whom you'll be working with. If you'll be interacting mostly with an assistant, interview this person to make sure you feel comfortable with this arrangement. Dian Hy mer is author of "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books. Copyright 2001 Dian Hy mer Distributed by In man News Features   More - Real Estate Columns   FREE reports on homes sold in your zip code Arizona Homes - All available zip code reports Chandler Homes Gilbert Homes Glendale AZ Homes Goodyear Homes Mesa Homes Phoenix Homes Scottsdale Homes Sun City AZ Homes Tempe Homes   FREE custom-made reports on homes for sale Metro Phoenix Southeast Valley. Homes for sale in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek and Tempe. Phoenix. Homes for sale in Anthem and Phoenix. Southwest Valley. Homes for sale in Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear and Litchfield Park. Northeast Valley. Homes for sale in Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Rio Verde and Scottsdale. Northwest Valley. Homes for sale in Glendale AZ, Peoria AZ, Sun City AZ, Sun City Grand, Sun City West, Surprise and Youngtown. Wickenburg homes for sale. Metro Tucson Tucson area. Homes for sale in Marana, Oro Valley and Tucson. Green Valley area. Homes for sale in Green Valley and Sahaurita. Other Great Arizona Towns • Casa Grande homes for sale • Flagstaff homes for sale • Lake Havasu City homes for sale • Payson homes for sale • Prescott homes for sale • Showlow homes for sale • Yuma homes for sale