Look at the Facts...
When you're looking for Results, look for Metro Properties. You Deserve a Top Producer one who is experienced, full time and committed to the real estate profession. That's what Metro Properties REALTORS are all about. Metro Properties Associates average about 10 years or more of experience. That experience means Metro Properties Associates are better qualified to set the right price for the homes they list, better equipped to market those homes and more likely to find a buyer in a shorter period of time. There's no substitute for experience. And in real estate, there's no substitute for a Metro Properties Top Producer.
Metro Properties REALTORS are personally vested in the homes they list. Unlike agents of most other companies, whose advertising budgets are controlled by their brokers, Metro Properties REALTORS are free to spend as much as they need to promote a particular property. Metro Properties Top Producers know the value of smart marketing. When a Metro Properties REALTOR lists a home, he or she makes a personal financial investment. If the home doesn't sell, the agent can actually lose money. That's commitment. No wonder Metro Properties REALTORS are so determined to find the right buyers willing to pay the right price.
Metro Properties is one of the fastest growing real estate organizations in South Texas. The tremendous growth of Metro Properties means added service to clients and customers everywhere. Throughout the Metro Properties Referral System - the most effective service of its kind - Metro Properties REALTORS are able to help real estate customers who are moving to a new area find the right home before they relocate. At the same time, the Metro Properties Referral System provides a new source of home buyers for listing clients. People like you, who expect the maximum in service from Metro Properties.
That's the power of experience. Deciding to sell a home is a big step. Make sure it's a step in the right direction by choosing the person best qualified to handle your specific needs. Ask for a full-time salesperson with a proven record of accomplishment. Ask for a Metro Properties Top Producer. Look for Metro Properties.
Selecting the right real estate professional to help you buy or sell your home is essential to a smooth transaction. For the best possible experience, you should consider an agent's experience, personality and responsiveness in your overall evaluations. Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your agent.
- When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth financial and physical transition. So don't slack off – decide what is most important to you, and then find an agent who specializes in that field. Does location matter most? Do you need a townhouse with a garage? A four-bedroom home? A condo? A corner lot? Room for Fido to run free in the yard? No yard? Perhaps cost is your main concern. Or timing. Whatever you decide, there is a Metro Properties agent to help you.
- Ask friends and family members for referrals.
- If you've found the general area in which you'd like to move, do an informal survey by driving through neighborhoods and viewing yard signs. Seeing the same name pop up time after time may indicate that person is a specialist in the area.
- Pay attention to designations. This is how you will know in what a real estate agent specializes. You may be interested in these designations: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), CRP (Certified Relocation Professional), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist). There are dozens of designations agents pursue for continuing education, so find one that fits your needs.
- Once you have your list narrowed down to about three real estate professionals, schedule interviews. Agents may ask to meet at your home if you are selling. If you are buying, expect to meet the agents at their offices.
- If selling, ask the agent how he or she would establish a price. You may request a Comparative Market Analysis, also called a CMA, which shows the actual market value of similar homes in the area.
- If selling, ask the agent how he or she would market your property.
- Ask the agent how often you should expect to hear from him or her. Know how and when you will communicate to avoid unrealistic expectations. Pay attention to the agent's office hours and whether or not you will be invited to access them via a cell phone, pager or e-mail.
- Ask how long the agent has been in real estate. While time is not the most important factor, it may demonstrate the agent's experience.
- Ask about awards and designations.
- Pay attention to the agent's listening skills. Does he or she cut you off before you've finished a sentence? There's nothing worse than looking at houses you have no interest in because the agent has not listened carefully to your needs or having your home on the market too long because the wrong buyers are being targeted.
- Ask the agent what his or her fee structure is. Do they require a percent age of the sales price, do they work for a flat fee, or will they be paid by the seller (if you're the buyer)?
If you are unsatisfied with the agent's plan or personality, thank the agent for taking the time to meet with you, and repeat the process with another agent. It is time-consuming to meet with multiple agents, but it's worthwhile to find the right one. - Once you've found the right agent to represent you, hold up your end of the relationship. There are simple things you can do to help your agent get you the best deal.
If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those that people might otherwise overlook. Give this to your agent, who may be able to use the information when marketing or talking with potential buyers.
- When selling, talk to the agent about upgrading. Your home may need fresh paint or new carpet. (Make sure you choose neutral colors.)
- If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust. Keep the bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep daily during the selling process.
- If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities numbered one through 10 and give it to your agent. You can always revise the list, but give your agent something concrete so he or she can research available listings effectively.