tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57417401201017730812012-02-16T01:10:35.596-08:00Kathie Romanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09033667159067130510noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741740120101773081.post-59657261381999703452008-09-26T14:12:00.000-07:002008-09-27T07:14:09.418-07:00Many home buyers spend several months thinking about buying a home before they actually get serious about it. In between this time they may casually drop by an Open House or two "just to see what it costs" or "just to get an idea" before contacting a Realtor to help them with their search. Often they "don't want to bother their Realtor" until they are ready to buy. Unfortunately, if they view a house when an agent is there showing it:<br />1. that agent may represent the Seller (or Builder) and NOT THE BUYER, so the Buyer will go thru the transaction without representation, or<br />2. that agent may expect to earn the commission if they are interested in buying that house and may refuse to let the Buyers use an agent of their choosing!<br /><br />Buyers beware -- the time to choose a Realtor to represent you is BEFORE you start your search. That way you can choose someone with whom you have a good rapport, a Realtor who is experienced with transactions and procedures, someone who is familiar with the price range and area you are interested in, a person who is honest and dedicated to finding you the best home for you and not anyone who is just interested in a sale.<br /><br />How many homes has that Realtor sold in the past year? The National Association of Realtors says that the average Realtor sells 6-8 homes per year. If you are looking for a starter townhome, don't choose a Realtor who sells Million Dollar Mansions (or vice versa).<br /><br />Does the Realtor work full time? Someone who has another job during the day may not be available to help you when you are free.<br /><br />Do they retire to the ocean every weekend during the summer just when you are free to look at homes?<br /><br />Have they acquired advanced designations indicating they are committed to continuing their education in the issues of the day?<br />GRI = Graduate Realtors' Institute This is similar to a "Master's degree in Real Estate"<br />ABR = Accredited Buyer Representative, a designation showing advanced coursework related to<br />working with Buyers<br />Associate Broker = someone who has passed their Broker's exam but works in a Real Estate<br />office rather than opening one of their own.<br /><br />Is this agent a "Realtor", a member of the National Assoc. of Realtors? Realtors subscribe to a higher standard of ethical behavior in the sale of real estate.<br /><br />Ask friends who have had a successful experience buying a home if they would recommend their<br />Realtor<br />Check to see whether the Realtor you are considering has their own website. Does he/she return calls/e-mails within 24 hours?<br /><br />Call me with any questions if you are looking to buy a home in the next 6 months.<br />Direct: 610-363-4332 or cellphone 484-888-1371 or<br />Search for homes on my website <a href="http://www.kromanohomes.com/">http://www.kromanohomes.com/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5741740120101773081-5965726138199970345?l=romanohomes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kathie Romanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09033667159067130510noreply@blogger.com0