If you’ve never bought or sold a home, chances are you have a preconceived notion of what real estate agents are all about. Even if you have had experience working with an agent, you may have formed a mistaken impression of the profession as a whole. Are you aware of exactly what your agent should be doing for you? Here are three things you might not have known about working with a real estate agent:

A real estate professional is a local market analyst and will know the process for pricing your home correctly for a timely sale, or help you learn how to make the best offer when negotiating for the home you want to buy. Both of these financial decisions rely on in-depth research, and the history of selling prices in various neighborhoods over a certain period of time. They are also based on specific features of the property including upgrades, or needed repairs. Expect your agent to present you with documentation to support their educated opinion on the best strategy for pricing your home for sale, or determining a starting bid on the home you’re looking to purchase. Be aware that it takes understanding of current market conditions and hyper-local knowledge to arrive at a truly accurate number.

— For Home Sellers “What Can I do for You?” Your Agent’s Responsibilities —

Good real estate agents are not just after “the deal”. A good agent is the protector of your best interests. Their ultimate objective is to help you make a satisfactory decision that meets your personal wish-list but more importantly, your financial goals. You should expect your agent to advise you how to make the best possible decision for YOU and only you. For example, if you’ve been searching for homes in a neighborhood that is beyond your budget, your agent will locate everything within your financial limits, thereby expanding the range properties you will have to choose from. A good agent is not merely focused on his bottom line, but instead is a trusted guide. Your agent is your employee. Simply stated, they are there to do what you ask.

Worth noting: The lifeblood of a real estate agent’s business is the referral, so commitment to serving you and earning your trust, is really what their job is about.

— For Home Buyers “How Can I Help You?” Your Agent’s Obligation to You —

Your relationship with your real estate agent goes way beyond the transaction. A professional real estate agent will be your gateway to myriad resources before, during and after business dealings are complete; advice on mortgage lenders, title companies, insurance professionals, home inspectors, repair and pest treatment, stagers, cleaning services, home warranty companies, the list goes on and on. Many real estate agents work with a larger network of agents called a brokerage that may maintain partnerships with many of these services. Because they develop close and long-standing business relationships within the local community, they can offer great referral advice on a whole host of sources that may be useful to you in the future.

— Heroes Home Advantage discount program for —
Teachers, Nurses and other Medical Professionals, Firefighters, Police, Veterans & Military

Remember, there’s more to a good real estate agent than meets the eye! Finding the right professional to work with will make your experience positive and far more successful.