October 15, 2008
Share these things with your AGENT
I have to share a couple of things that will help tremendously with whomever you pick as an agent:
1) It is very hard to find properties when the agent doesn't know what your goal is. Share upfront what your goal in finding a new home is, family, ideal location, size requirements, exterior make-up, & quality of construction.
2) Attempt to give at least 24-48 hours notice to preview homes. Try driving by the neighborhoods to assess if the 'feel' of the neighborhood is right & the lot will work for your needs. The Seller generally wants time to spruce up the home for the showing. It gives the agent time to do background information, make appointments, & prepare for a formalized tour. It will result in a concise & better experience.
3) Determine what your financial goals are in purchasing your next home & what the process of selling your home would be. After 12 years in one home, uprooting your family can be difficult. Make sure its clear to the agent what the game plan is. Share your timeframe: to know exactly how long they need to work towards a goal (diligently). Also, they can work towards the goal by finding properties that may or may not be on the market.
4) Understand this is a precarious time to sell/buy real estate in the Charlotte market. In the past we could generally locate prime real estate. The inventory over the past 6-8 months has been stale. It will take until 2010 to work through the current inventory. By 2010, there will be fresh/new homes for sale. The uncertainty in the marketplace; (shaky credit market, non-liquidity from the banks, the presidential election, the 700 billion bailout, stock market woes, war, etc...) will have passed. Charlotte will rebound with stable values & getting back to the reason people are looking at relocating in the first place, better location, more/less size, bigger/smaller yard & a new place to call home. You may take a loss on the sale of your home. However, you will make up for it if you purchase a home while the market is soft.
It's an incredible time to buy a home.
Overall, being on the same page is critical. Think of your agent as a partner on the team. Communicate regularly if you need to change your preferences in a new home or need to make adjustments in your home search.
We can’t read minds.
This will help any agent get off on the right foot in your search.
After understanding what your needs are, I would love the opportunity to work on your behalf.
Feel free to call me with any questions. I can be reached at 704.602.4223, or email me at mhege@dickensmitchener.com.
All the best,
Mike
Posted by:
Mike Hege
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