You Deserve a Top Producer | RE/MAX: The Marketing Experts | A Continent-Wide Referral Network | Make Your Next Transaction a Rewarding Experience | How to choose your next real estate agent | How to choose an agent | How to work with your agent
When you're looking for Results, look for RE/MAX. Out in Front. sm You Deserve a Top Producer
Experienced. Full time. Out in Front. sm That's what RE/MAX sales Associates are all about. Across North America, RE/MAX Associates average about 10 years of experience. That experience means RE/MAX 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. As a result, the average RE/MAX Sales Associate in the U.S. out-produces competing agents by a 3-to-1 margin. Call it the margin of success. There's no substitute for experience. And in real estate, there's no substitute for a RE/MAX Top Producer.
RE/MAX REALTORS are personally vested in the homes they list. Unlike agents of most other companies, whose advertising budgets are controlled by their brokers, RE/MAX sales Associatesare free to spend as much as they need to promote a particular property. RE/MAX Top Producers know the value of smart marketing. This year, RE/MAX are expected to spend more than $190 million in personal and group advertising. That's commitment. When a RE/MAX REALTOR lists a home, he or she makes a personal financial investment. If the home doesn't sell, the agent can actually lose money. No wonder RE/MAX sales Associates are so determined to find the right buyers willing to pay the right price.
RE/MAX is one of the fastest growing real estate organizations in the world, with independently owned and operated offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Southern Africa and beyond. The tremendous growth of RE/MAX means added service to clients and customers everywhere. Throughout the RE/MAX Referral System - the most effective service of its kind - RE/MAX 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 RE/MAX Referral System provides a new source of home buyers for listing clients. People like you, who expect the maximum in service from RE/MAX.
RE/MAX is the number one real estate organization in Canada and in cities throughout the United States. 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 RE/MAX Top Producer. Look for RE/MAX. Out in Front. sm
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 RE/MAX 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.
- With offices in more than 50 countries worldwide, RE/MAX is one of the fastest-growing real estate franchise networks on the planet.