Important Things to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

• Knows the Market- you want an agent who is informed on the changing market, not just what is for sale in a particular neighborhood. Someone who knows the trends in the area, is knowledgeable on the neighborhoods, and educated on how the market is changing.




• A Great Listener- you want an agent who really listens to your wants and needs. In the fact finding process your agent may ask you a lot of questions- this is to get an idea what you are looking for and your goals and motivations. This is an important step in the home buying process. One who really listens is very important quality to have and can save you time in your search.




• Help you Figure out what you can afford- you want an agent that can run some numbers for you and provide a list of qualified lenders that you can discuss pre-approval with. You want an agent that will stick within your budget and look at those houses in that price range.

• Help you Narrow your Search- it is great to start your home search on the internet, you can get a list a mile long of homes of interest. When the time is right an agent can really help you sort through that list. A good agent will help you weed through the properties and set up the showings. An agent may also preview properties for you.




• Help you determine an offer price or evaluate an offer if you are selling. - a good agent can gather market information or comps on the properties that have recently sold in the area. A CMA is put together with this information so you can make an educated decision on your offer.





• Help you get more value from the Property- a good agent has a trained eye when if comes to looking a properties and their values. They can advise on what improvements would bring more value to the property or what can distract from the home. Also a good agent knows contractors or experts in the field that they can refer for expert opinions.





• Will be with You from Start to Finish- From the inital fact finding meeting, showing properties, the offer, working with the mortgage lender and title company all the way to a smooth close. A good agent will represent you in all stages of the home buying process.





• Market your property agressively- a good agent will use innovative marketing ideas to help sell your property for the best price. Offering staging tips, quality photographs of the home, various internet marketing venues (ask me about marketing at the Edina Kiosk), MLS and other creative outlets. Offering open houses and broker opens. You want a good agent to represent you in selling your home and one that can get the job done.

"Working for you, Working with you." is my motto.

Let me help you in your Home Buying or Selling Process.