A real estate agent is a professional who works for buyers and sellers of lands and properties. These mediators are people who can either help sell your home or help you find your new home. When working with real estate agents, there are a few things that must be kept in mind in order to get the most valuable service.
These property mediators are working to earn a living through the commissions they will be given. In general, agents do not receive monthly salaries. Their main source of income is the commission they will be paid once a transaction has been closed and finalized. As a reliable buyer or seller, you should know that real estate agents do not work for charity so you must pay them what they worked hard for.
Although you are paying the mediators their service and professional fees through their commission, you should always be considerate of these people profession. An agent may work for a few clients and not only have you so if you want to meet or take with the agent, give him due respect and courtesy. If you have set an appointment with him, try your best to be on time or give the person a call if in case you might be late. Not all real estate agents are the same. If you are a seller, you need to work with a listing agent and if you are the buyer, a buying agent is who you need. Other agents work on dual agency.
When working with a buying agent, you are expected to sign a broker agreement. You need to understand what this agreement contains such as relationship between you and the agent and you and your mediator’s duties before signing. You also need to ask about an exclusive and a non-exclusive agreement. Unless you have signed the contract, the negotiator will not show you on sale homes. Before signing, it may also be of help to first ask the person if you will be released from the contract once you are dissatisfied with his services. If possible release will not be allowed by the negotiator, you need to hire someone else. As a buyer, you should also be provided with agency disclosure which will serve as receipt proof. Remember to sign only a document that you have understood. If there are words or statements that you think is not clear for you, then always feel free to ask the real estate agent.
To have a well established relationship with the agent, you should be able to state what you expect from that person. Suppose in looking at homes, if you want the agent to pick you up and then drive you home again then tell it right away to settle an arrangement. Your means of communication with each other must also be known such as if you want to be contacted through phone calls, texts or emails. If you have a certain time frame when buying a property, tell this also to the negotiator to determine if this is feasible. If you are not pleased with his actions then say so.