Whether you are buying or selling, working with the best real estate agents in the western Washington, northern Idaho, and Montana will make the process easier in every respect. But a professional meeting can be intimidating if it’s your first time entering the housing market. Here are a few tips for what you can expect.
You’ll Be Asked Some Questions
If you’re looking to buy a home, your first meeting with a real estate agent will involve a lot of questions so that the agent can get a better understanding of your needs and preferences. Chances are, you have probably already spent some time online looking at homes, so you have some feel for house prices, styles, and neighborhoods. Before the meeting, jot down some notes about the size of house you want (modern or traditional, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.), what type of neighborhood you are looking for (Family-friendly? Upscale urban?), your timeline, and your budget.
It’s okay if you don’t know all the answers. For example, if you need help figuring out what you can afford, your agent can help you. But remember that the more information you can provide to your agent, the better your agent can screen out homes that don’t fit the right profile. This can save you and your agent a lot of time and needless stress viewing properties you won’t want to buy.
If you’re looking to sell your home, your agent will ask questions to understand your property and what your goals are in terms of the sale price and what your schedule is, e.g., if you need to move by a specific date, whether you are moving out of the area, and so on. Some of the questions they may ask include:
What is your reason for selling?
How long have you lived in the home, and when are you looking to sell?
What are some of the unique features of your property?
Are there any recent updates or renovations that have been done to the home?
What is your desired asking price?
Are you open to negotiating the price?
Do you plan to live in the house while it is on the market?
Are you moving out of the area, and will we need to work long-distance?
Your agent will also set up a time to view the property.
You’ll Discuss the Process
For buyers, expect real estate agents to explain what services they offer and how they go about finding you the perfect home. They will discuss their fee structure and what to expect in the home-buying process. They may also discuss your expectations to ensure they’re appropriately set for the best outcome. If you have any special considerations – for example, moving to the area from out-of-state – your agent will discuss ways they can work with you to make the process run smoothly based on your schedule.
If you’re looking to sell your home, your agents will also discuss the selling process, current market conditions, and the pricing strategy to price your home competitively in that market. They will also explain their services, a bit about who they are, and what you can expect from them regarding their marketing efforts and avenues.
You’ll Be Able to Ask Questions
In addition to answering questions, this is an excellent opportunity to ask about the market, the process, your agent’s background, and anything else related to your real estate venture.
Some questions you may want to ask if you’re buying a home include:
How will you help me find the right property?
How will you keep me informed about new listings?
How will you handle negotiations?
What’s involved in the inspection process?
What paperwork do you need from me?
As a seller, here are some questions you may want to ask:
How long do you think it will take to sell my home?
What is your pricing strategy for my home?
Can you provide me with a detailed marketing plan?
How will you handle showings and open houses?
How will you handle negotiations with buyers?
How will you keep me informed about the progress of the sale?
Are there any legal documents or disclosures that need to be completed?
Get Help to Buy or Sell in Washington, Idaho, Montana
Open and honest communication with your real estate agent throughout the process ensures everything goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. That can only happen if you’re working with excellent real estate agents with a solid local network and plenty of experience. For all that and more, contact the Legacy Group and get started today.