DO I NEED AN AGENT?: Well, you've finally laid the basic ground work on starting your search for a home or property. The next step is to decide if you need or want a real estate professional to assist you in your search. While some people decide to do it themselves others will hire a real estate  professional. Those who hire a real estate professional almost always save time and money. However, with so much information readily available online people may wonder and rightfully so, if they should use a real estate agent at all. They may wonder why they just can't buy a home through the internet or through regular marketing and advertising channels without an agent or representation. Some do ok while others have varying degrees of difficulty. Whether you use an agent or not normally doesn't affect the price you pay for a home. However, the choice is ultimately up to you.

PICKING THE RIGHT AGENT: Besides qualifications, picking the right agent is extremely important. You have to be able to work as a team. You can have the most highly skilled an qualified agent in the world but if you don't work well together your home buying experience can be a long drawn out ordeal. It is suggested that you have a "Meet and Greet" with several agents and kick some ideas around on how the agents work and if your on the same page. Then set a second meeting with the agent you feel most comfortable with to finish the interview process.  

5 THINGS YOU  SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR LISTING OR BUYERS AGENT:  You've  gone through the interview process, found an agent that  will work well with you and signed an agreement.  As a minimum the agent you hire should provide the following services.

1. A Strategic Plan: If you are listing your home your agent should present a marketing plan that includes the number of open houses (if any)  that they will hold.  Buyers agents should listen to your requirements and present you  with areas of interest for your review prior to beginning the physical seaech for a home. Your buyers agent should also assist you in pre-qualifying you for a loan if you haven't done it yet. This can be accomplished by your agent giving you a list of  mortgage companies  to choose from.

2. Market Activity Report: Whether you're buying or selling a home your agent should provide you  with  detailed information on your neighborhood or the area you are interested in.  This information should show what comparable homes have sold for over the last six months.  This information will enable you to set a fair value on a property you are buying or selling.

3. Knowledge Of The Local Market: Both Selling and Buyers agents  should provide information  inventory level and absorption rates of homes on the market. Your agent should also provide a trend analysis of what homes have sold for over the last several years. This will give you an idea of what  kind of appreciation you can reasonably expect  should you decide to sell your home sometime in the future. However, be aware that past appreciation does not guarantee your home will increase in value at the same rate in the future.

4. Electronic Expertise: The most recent data shows that 8 out of 10 home shoppers begin searching for a home on the internet. Your agent should have an internet presence  with readily accessable up to date home information and e-mail links.

5. Support Until Closing: While it is the buyer or sellers responsibility for inspections, title searches, loan applications, appraisals etc....  after a contract is ratified. Your agent should  assist you with this so the entire process is as glitch free as possible. Your agent should be willing to be there for the different inspections, make suggestions and assist with scheduling.