A Malibu real estate agent can be a very valuable resource for anyone who wants to buy or sell a home in the area. It is possible to sell your own home, but it is a lot easier if you work with a professional who knows the real estate industry and can help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls of real estate transactions. A real estate agent can also help you save money, as they can help you determine how much to offer for one of the Malibu homes for sale that you view. Follow these tips for building a great relationship with your agent.
Respect the Agent
Real estate agents usually work on commission, so do not take advantage of their time. If you have no intention of buying or selling a home, do not ask an agent to work with you. Always show up to appointments on time, as agents are busy people who spend a lot of time on the road. Time spent waiting for you could have been better spent closing other deals or following up on leads. Everyone hits traffic or gets delayed from time to time, so if you have to be late, call your agent ahead of time.
Discuss Buying and Selling Tactics
If you are interested in one of the many Malibu Point Dume homes for sale, ask your agent about the proper protocol for visiting an open house. In some cases, your agent needs to attend the open house with you. If you go to an open house alone, make sure you take your agent’s card with you. Give it to the host of the open house and be sure to state which agent is representing you.
Setting Expectations
Even though real estate agents have a lot of experience working in the industry, they are not mind readers. You should outline your expectations up front to give your agent a fair chance at meeting them. If you expect an agent to pick you up and take you to an open house instead of meeting the agent there, make this clear. If you want the agent to field phone calls and messages regarding your transaction, make this known as well. Setting realistic goals and expectations can help you avoid problems down the road.
Reviewing Documents
Your agent should be able to explain every form to you so that you know what you are signing. Do not be afraid to ask for help in deciphering these forms, as your agent wants you to understand what is happening in the process. It is important to note that agents cannot interpret law, so if there is a legal question involved with your transaction, seek the advice of an experienced real estate lawyer.
These are just some of the ways you can build a great working relationship with a real estate professional. This relationship can prove extremely valuable to you as you navigate the process of buying or selling a piece of real estate.
Russell Grether of Compass Real Estate is a real estate agent based out of Malibu, CA. He specializes in Malibu real estate, Malibu homes for sale, Malibu properties, Malibu Land for sale, Malibu rentals and surrounding area real estate from Montecito to the Pacific Palisades.
