One of the reasons I've lived in Washington, D.C., for the
last 17 years is that the neighborhoods have some of the best atmosphere
around. You want gay, you have gay; you want mixed, you have mixed, and you
want ethnic, you have ethnic.
Two weeks ago I was sitting at the Cyber Cafe sharing a cup
of coffee with real estate agent Ed Downs. We were discussing the mystique
that can surround home buying and the agents who make this all happen. Ed
was explaining how the average consumer deals with a realtor only once every
seven years. This means that, on average, even for those folks who are
buying or selling for the second or third time, the experience feels just
like the "first time" all over again.
Of course, for me just the phrase "first time" can bring
back the feelings of queasiness I get whenever I'm about to embark on a new
experience. There's a sense of excitement about the newness of the event, a
feeling of mystery about what might happen, and an anticipation of
delectable fear of the unknown - and it's all rolled up in one.
My first time with a real estate agent, however, lacked the
sense of excitement. More nervous than anything, I think I left all my good
feelings lying outside the realtor's office shaking their nervous guts out.
It can be the same way for you, too. But it doesn't have to be.
The truth is that things can go quite easily for you if
you're armed with the necessary information about the transaction and you
understand that real estate professionals are there to help. And, by the
way. this all applies whether it's your first or tenth time visiting tile
realtor since constantly changing laws, building codes, and lending
standards can actually make the experience feel just like a first time all
over again.
Begin by asking yourself certain questions to help you
figure out where to begin. Knowing how much money to you think you want to
spend can help you figure out where you want to live. And deciding how big
of a place you believe you'll need goes a long way in determining the kinds
of places to look at.
I'll be discussing many of these issues at greater length in
future columns, but for now, let's look at how you should actually go about
selecting a real estate agent or broker.
Probably the best way to begin is by asking friends and
associates who they used when they bought or sold their homes. How was the
agent to work with? Did the agent work in a manner that made your friend
feel comfortable? (Be careful, though, an agent with poor social skills may
still be a great agent.) Was the agent honest about the transactions and
what they were doing for your friend? Did the agent look out for your
friend's best interests, and would your friend use them again?
You can also check local newspapers (gay or otherwise!) and
try to get an idea by looking at ads - and if the ads have web sites, check
those out as well.
After you've found agents and brokers, begin the process of
choosing one over the other. Nobody likes this sort of thing, but remember,
this is a big decision you're making and you want to feel comfortable with
your decision. Try checking with at least three realtors before you make
your decision.
Don't be afraid to ask them about credentials, track records
(how many buyers/sellers have they represented during the last three or six
months), and awards they may have received. Find out where they went to
school and if they have any clients who would be willing to talk with you.
Do they use current technology for their business (computers, faxes. Cell
phones, etc.)? How do they plan to protect your interests and why do they
specifically believe they are the best choice for you?
Once you've interviewed at least three professionals, you'll
have to decide which to go with. Try not to use good looks as the only
criteria - and give yourself a pat on the back once you've narrowed your
choices down to one. In some respects, you've managed to get through one of
the hardest aspects of this process.
Next week I'll take you through your first grueling session with your new
real estate professional.
|
Uncertain how to start looking for a new home? Not
sure if you're ready to buy? And what, exactly, are "points"? Send
your questions to realestate@metroweek.net for possible inclusion in
the new weekly feature , Real Estate. |
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Writings by Michael Walker
