What is a Good Real Estate Agent

When you think of a good real estate agent what comes to mind?

@ Do you think of a shark? An agent that can negotiate the pants off the Pope while talking on the phone and driving on the freeway all while singing along to “I’m a Bitch I’m a lover I’m a Child I’m a Mother” OK, maybe a guy wouldn’t be singing that…or maybe some do… I don’t know.

@Maybe you think of a good agent as a kind and caring individual…someone who is nice and caring and is always calling to see if everything is OK and you’re all right.

@Maybe you consider a good agent as one who’s been in the market for years, is old as dirt and drives a Lincoln or a Cadillac like a Ferrari?

Most likely a good agent is a combination of knowledge caring truthfulness and good negotiating skills. They can be young or old and have been an agent for just a few years or 20+ years.

A good real estate agent listens to what you want, advises you but doesn’t insist; if you’re making a mistake they’ll let you know but it’s ultimately your decision. They’ll show you homes that fit your criteria, and maybe a few that don’t, but may be something you’ll consider. They will take command of situations but always respect your position and opinion. They will honestly and knowledgeably negotiate for you, their client and do the best job they can do with out lying and cheating to get an end result. In other words they will have integrity. That’s an important quality and one many agents loose as soon as the going gets tough.

When interviewing agents and you should always interview an agent whether you’re going to buy or sell a home, most people will get a feeling about the agent they are interviewing. Trust your instincts, but ask questions and make a decision based on great answers and great rapport.

Once you’ve chosen your agent, if you’re a buyer most good agents will have you sign a contract. This contract simply states that you will use this agent as your agent when you finally make a purchase. There are no monetary obligations in standard Buyer Broker agreement, but read your contract and ask questions if necessary.

A good relationship with your real estate agent will make the purchase or selling process so much easier and can actually cement a relationship that will last for years.

Curb Appeal and Why It's Important

Although in many area's the real estate market is slow, buyers are still out there looking. They mostly search the Internet but on the weekends they may drive around to get the feel of the area and the neighborhood. Curb appeal is critical to both Internet browsers and street browsers.

The Internet has opened a whole new world to people searching for homes. Many will sit in front of the computer searching home websites looking at pictures of homes. They'll type in their search criteria and then start looking through the homes that match their needs. But if your home doesn't have some kind of curb appeal most browsers will just pass it by without looking further. That first impression of your home can make or break a potential deal or push potential buyers to look past your home and on to the next. They'll never see the interior pictures because the outside says it all. If the seller doesn't care what the outside looks like he probably doesn't care what the inside looks like.

The same can hold true for people searching neighborhoods. They are driving up and down streets looking at homes and picking up flyer's. With so many homes on the market chances are there may be several for sale just on your street alone, so you have lots of competition. Why will someone pick up your homes flyer? Because they like the way the house looks. That's their first contact with your home. If it doesn't look good from the street then the buyers will move on to the next home.

First Impressions are Huge so help yourself, sell your home. Make that first impression a big one with WOW curb appeal. This means:

• Lush green grass, that's cut regularly


• Colorful flowers and clean beds


• An overall well manicured look


• Clean tidy and well kept.

If the outside needs paint, paint it. Don't leave clutter by the front door or side of the house where potential buyers can see it. Wash windows and make your front door is inviting. Make sure your home says "BUY ME I'M BEAUTIFUL" and you'll see just home much curb appeal matters.