Run! If Your Real Estate Agent Says or Does This!
by PCSgrades Staff - September 24th, 2021
Whether you’re buying or selling your home, it can be a stressful process. Maybe military orders require you to be at your new duty station earlier than first thought, so you’re in a hurry to sell. Maybe the housing inventory is lean and you only have three days to search.
Finding the right real estate agent is critical when you are under the gun of a looming PCS. Here are five things you don’t want to see or hear from your real estate agent.
#1 I can sell your home for more than other agents
You want your real estate agent to have a quiet confidence, not false bravado. A good agent will show you how proficient they are by selling your home in a timely fashion at a good price. Exaggerated promises of a huge windfall from the sale of your home will only leave you disappointed. Read more tips about how to find a quality real estate agent here.
#2 I can take photos of your home
There are some agents who can take a decent photo, but many agents hire local professional photographers to take photos for their clients. You want your home shown to the world in the best light, so great photos are crucial. This is especially true now that more families are viewing and buying homes entirely online. If your agents insists they can take their own photos, ask for samples. Look at their current listings to see if the photos are clear, with flattering light.
#3 I'm too busy
If an agent is too busy to show your home and asks you to pinch hit for them, it’s time to find another agent. Likewise, if you are a buyer and the agent is too busy to show you around, it is time to look elsewhere. If you have limited time to house hunt, an agent may ask a fellow agent to help out if they have an unavoidable conflict. But if you get the feeling your agent isn’t making you the priority, you need a new agent. A good real estate agent will communicate with you regularly and answer your questions promptly.
#4 You are being too picky
If you’re a buyer, there is nothing worse than being told that you are too picky. In your initial meeting, you should outline exactly what you are looking for. In return, your agent should manage your expectations. Being told your price range doesn’t allow for a fourth bedroom or a finished basement may be a harsh reality. In the current housing market, there is little inventory available, and houses are being sold very quickly. But being told you’re picky for not liking a pink rug in the master bedroom or paneling in the family room is just wrong.
#5 What is your credit score?
A real estate agent needs to know what you can afford to spend when buying a house. Your mortgage lender is the one who takes care of getting you pre-approved. Your agent only needs to know how much you are pre-approved for and how much of that you want to spend. They do not need to worry about whether you qualify for the loan. That is between you and your lender. Similarly, your agent can give you tips about how to keep a healthy credit score throughout the home-buying process, but it is your lender who will actually run the credit report. Your real estate agent should be a creative problem-solver, a resourceful person responsive to your needs. They should have your best interests at heart while setting realistic expectations for you, the client. You can find a military-friendly real estate agent at PCSgrades.com.
