Choosing a Real-Estate Broker

An adequate real-estate broker will be your greatest companion when it comes to valuing and choosing your prospective properties.  A broker should understand what you are looking for in a property and should have experience finding these types of properties.  Choose and meet with a few brokers before making your final decision.  This needs to be a person you are comfortable with asking any questions however elementary they may be.

(Before elaborating any further on this subject I’d like to confess that I did not meet with multiple brokers before choosing my own.  I chose a family friend that I trusted and that had plenty of experience finding the type of properties that I desired.)

Something that may seem unusual to the previous home owner is the lack of attention paid to prospective buyers by their brokers.  I believe it is now somewhat expected that the prospective buyer search the internet himself for possible properties.  There are many sites, Zillow and Trulia for example, that provide current listings, as well as possibly foreclosed homes.  My agent sent me weekly listing from an MLS (multiple listing service) website and I preferred these over Zillow because the listings were far more current.  What I found most effective was searching the MLS site that my broker used to search for homes daily.  MLS sites are usually specific to your area so you may have to search the internet for a while to find something suitable for your area.  When I found a home or property I liked I sent my broker an e-mail and she would collect further information as well as give me advice whether the area and price was reasonable.  I’ve listed some links below as an example of the type of MLS sites that I used.  Feel free to navigate and search yourself.

Your Broker Must:

–  Know the areas and neighborhoods of your city or location of choice.

–  Know your property needs be it a single-family home, residential income (duplex/triplex etc.), or a large unit (greater than 5 units).

–  Have experience finding these properties.

–  Help you feel comfortable in your search for a home, and show you plenty of properties if you ask.

–  Firmly negotiate with the selling agent for a better deal.

–  Communicate clearly and often with you.

You Must:

–  Be patient in your search for a broker.

–  Search MLS and other real-estate sites DAILY for deals.  You will be your own best agent.

• Las Vegas:  http://www.lasvegasrealtor.com/mls/
• Bakersfield:  http://bakersfield.rapmls.com
• Albuquerque:  http://www.gaar.com