5 Tips to Finding a Boston Real Estate Agent
The right Boston real estate agent would make the process of finding a home as simple as possible. Your agent will help you find a home that’s as close to your dream as possible, and will also influence the final outcome of the deal. You must give as much care to finding an agent as you would give to choosing your home. Here are 5 tips to finding a Boston real estate agent.
Realtors vs Real Estate Agents
Although the terms are used interchangeably, there are some differences between the professions. A realtor, like a real estate agent, is licensed to sell real estate, but as members of the National Association of Realtors they are bound to follow a professional code of ethics. Therefore, realtors hold themselves to a higher standard in their business practices. Now that you understand the difference, choose wisely.
Referrals
Knowledgeable and experienced agents are sometimes hard to find, but you can make the process simple if you ask for referrals. Look up friends, associates or family who recently purchased property in your area and ask them to recommend an agent. If they were satisfied with their agents they would grant you the referral. You key consideration should be to find someone who’s willing to listen carefully to your needs.
Use The Internet
Use the search engines to look for Boston real estate agents. Take note that the results will return a few directions, but since they are usually paid directories the most prominent ad is not always the best agent. Once you’ve narrowed your options down to a few agents, look for reviews online and ask the agent to provide names of satisfied clients.
Experience Counts
Your agent must be able to do more than just show you homes and write up contracts. An experienced agent would be able to offer advice, negotiate the best deal and even advise on the market value of the home that property that you’re about to purchase. Your agent should appreciate that you’re making an investment, and would want you to make the best investment possible.
Commitments
Interview at least 2-3 prospective agents to determine their commitments. Are they working full time or part time? What are their availabilities and do they match your own? Do they only show homes in a specific price range or within a certain area only? Is the agent experienced? Do a background review and assess the agent’s personality.
These specific points will help you narrow down your options and hopefully find a good Boston real estate agent. Once you have that covered, you’ll be on your way to finding your dream home and making a good investment.
Realtors vs Real Estate Agents
Although the terms are used interchangeably, there are some differences between the professions. A realtor, like a real estate agent, is licensed to sell real estate, but as members of the National Association of Realtors they are bound to follow a professional code of ethics. Therefore, realtors hold themselves to a higher standard in their business practices. Now that you understand the difference, choose wisely.
Referrals
Knowledgeable and experienced agents are sometimes hard to find, but you can make the process simple if you ask for referrals. Look up friends, associates or family who recently purchased property in your area and ask them to recommend an agent. If they were satisfied with their agents they would grant you the referral. You key consideration should be to find someone who’s willing to listen carefully to your needs.
Use The Internet
Use the search engines to look for Boston real estate agents. Take note that the results will return a few directions, but since they are usually paid directories the most prominent ad is not always the best agent. Once you’ve narrowed your options down to a few agents, look for reviews online and ask the agent to provide names of satisfied clients.
Experience Counts
Your agent must be able to do more than just show you homes and write up contracts. An experienced agent would be able to offer advice, negotiate the best deal and even advise on the market value of the home that property that you’re about to purchase. Your agent should appreciate that you’re making an investment, and would want you to make the best investment possible.
Commitments
Interview at least 2-3 prospective agents to determine their commitments. Are they working full time or part time? What are their availabilities and do they match your own? Do they only show homes in a specific price range or within a certain area only? Is the agent experienced? Do a background review and assess the agent’s personality.
These specific points will help you narrow down your options and hopefully find a good Boston real estate agent. Once you have that covered, you’ll be on your way to finding your dream home and making a good investment.
