The Best Real Estate Agent For You

Lots of different types of real estate agents out there

Real estate agents come in all different shapes and sizes, strengths and specialties.

Finding the right property for a real estate client can be a time consuming complicated process especially in a competitive real estate market like San Francisco when big money is involved.

As a Real Estate Buyer or Real Estate Seller it is important to be clear what it is you want from your Realtor.

You will most likely be working as a team and making important financial decisions so trusting your real estate agent is a must. Good communication is important as well. Does the real estate agent understand your needs and motivation? Will they be flexible if you change your goals, because circumstances in your life have changed?

For instance, suppose you were planning to buy a house with an apartment for your parents, but they decided to move into a retirement community instead. After three months of looking you now will be looking for a much smaller house. Will your Realtor take this news in stride? So now hopefully you have on your list: TEAMWORK, TRUST, GOOD COMMUNICATION, FLEXIBILITY. What else is important in choosing a real estate agent to represent you?

I am sure you want a Realtor who is competent, knows the real estate market and your neighborhood.

When you are a Seller and are presented with a CMA—real estate comparative market analysis—can the real estate agent answer your questions? Have they actually been inside the properties to compare those with your home? When the Realtor comes up with a figure for you to sell does it make sense? Do they give suggestions on how you can get you a higher price? (Another important question for Real Estate Sellers to ask).

If you are a Buyer, does the agent give you real estate lender referrals so you can be qualified, before you begin the time consuming process of looking for properties? Does he/she take the time to sit down with you to understand exactly what you are looking for and follow up with Why Questions? The latter is especially important, because it will give you better clarity.

As an example, my husband and I were looking to move out of our Noe Valley home in San Francisco and move to Marin to be closer to nature, bike trails and the trees. The hectic urban living of San Francisco was getting to us. We contacted a real estate agent who agreed to help us. We told her up front we wanted at least three bedrooms. She gave us a long list of properties to review, but unfortunately they were out of our price range. Heads hung low, we dismissed the idea. This Realtor never thought to ask us why we needed the three bedrooms.

Well, we stumbled on an Open House with two bedrooms and a study in our price range! It worked perfectly! Both my husband and I work from home so two extra bedrooms for offices seemed like a logical solution. But we also have a lot of stuff so a two bedroom just didn’t seem feasible. However, this home had two huge master bedroom suites with humongous closets and the study was more than ample size.

If I were a Real Estate Buyer or Real Estate Seller interviewing agents, I would add these to my Want List: EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, FOLLOW THROUGH AND CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING. You now will be well armed to enter the real estate market. Good Luck!

Be aware that any clients names have been changed to protect their privacy. Furthermore, Paula Pagano does not accept any liability for the content of any Blogs and this Website or for any actions you take or resultant consequences of actions taken based on the information provided in this communication. Any advice is my opinion after being a 35 year experienced real estate agent in San Francisco.