So You've Hired a Real Estate Agent. What now?

Now that you've chosen a real estate agent, do you know what to expect from that person? Here's a quick primer on what to expect from your agent.

1. Listening *and* Understanding
Real estate deals are all about dreams, expectations, time, preparation, and money. Expect your agent to  listen to you and *actually understand* your true goals -- your perceptions of how real estate transactions work -- your readiness to succeed -- challenges to your success -- your understanding of the market. A great agent will help you be a well-informed buyer or seller.

2. Keeping it Real
Optimism is great! Fantasy is not! Expect your agent to have a positive outlook that is grounded by the realities of today's market. You need someone who will give you a balanced perspective.

3. Facts & Experience
Not only will you want an agent who "lives and breathes" market stats, but also one with the transactional experience to make the most of all that data. Expect your agent to know what's happening on the ground, and have experience utilizing that knowledge in the back-and-forth negotiations typical for a balanced market. 

4. The Under and Over
Everyone is familiar with the business philosophy of Underpromising and Overdelivering. Expect your agent to realistically assess circumstances, time frames, transactional challenges, and be willing to speak with open honesty so they can promise you an experience they can deliver.

5. The One Constant Change. Real estate deals often do not progress in a smooth, linear fashion. People are in the deal, and people can be really unpredictable. Surprises can pop up during inspections. Mortgage rates rise and fall, sometimes without warning. Expect your agent to be adept at dealing with surprises and be committed to consistent, timely communication, so you are never in the dark about what's happening or what may be coming next in your sale or purchase.

Hi, I'm Diane Bilke, a residential real estate agent serving the greater Austin/Round Rock Metro area. I can help you make the most of your time and money when you need to sell a house or buy a home. Call me today. Let's get you moved.