Key Criteria For Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Pick a winner. All real estate agents are not created equal, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But I think it is a safe bet that you will be best represented by an agent who has been and is currently successful. Many agents will say they “have been selling real estate in Timbuktu for twenty-nine years” or the equivalent. This does not mean they have done any business, or have successfully represented their clients, or are qualified. It only means that they pay their annual dues and are still breathing. Do your homework. Here are some of the key criteria for choosing a real estate agent that you should look out for.

Trust and Confidentiality

A recent poll of affluent clients by Coldwell Banker showed trust and confidentiality were the most important criteria to respondents when working with an agent. And so it is with most every buyer and seller. So it is not a surprise that trust and confidentiality are key criteria for choosing a real estate agent.

It is important for you to share your buying or selling motivation and financial situation with your agent so the agent can best represent your interests. If you are a buyer you will want to have a Buyer Agency Agreement in place with your agent/brokerage, and as a seller you will want a Listing Agreement. Both of these documents guarantee you their agency duties, including confidentiality and fiduciary obligations. It also spells out their responsibilities and your responsibilities. 

Agency Relationships

Another key criteria for choosing a real estate agent is agency relationships. Many states require that agents give buyers and sellers an agency disclosure form to sign defining the various agency relationships. You should read this disclosure as well as the terms in the buyer agency agreement or seller listing agreement.

You will find the majority of successful real estate agents will have many listings in Crested Butte. This means they will be working with many buyers and sellers. This is great if you are a seller because your home may be a perfect fit for a buyer they are working with. You want to sell your home and you are hoping your agent will market your home effectively and attract buyers. You want them to show your home to their buyer client. Similarly, this is helpful to you as a buyer. There may be a home that they have listed for sale that fits your criteria perfectly. That home may be end up on your final list, and may be selected as the home you really want to put an offer on and buy.

Dual Agency

In most states, the agent will be permitted to provide dual agency, and this will be set forth in your Seller Listing Agreement and the Buyer Agency Agreement with the buyer. In this case, the agent will facilitate purchase transactions without being an advocate or agent for either party. This is why agency relationships and trust and confidentiality are the key criteria for choosing a real estate agent. If the seller and buyer are working with the same agent, the agent will continue to protect the confidentiality of both clients. The agent is required to treat both buyer and seller with fairness and honesty, and this is another example where selecting an experienced agent is a plus. A tenured real estate agent will have the skill to lead both parties to a successful and satisfied closed transaction.

Key Criteria For Choosing a Real Estate Agent Final Thoughts

If you would like more information on what I can offer you as a real estate agent, contact me.

I hope you see the level of detail and time and effort I put into this candid article Key Criteria For Choosing a Real Estate Agent. I have become a Top Real Estate Agent in Crested Butte by helping my clients to make informed decisions.

This is representative of what you can expect from me as your agent.

If you’d like to use my knowledge and experience in Buying or Selling your Crested Butte home – call me.

Thanks,
Chris.

How can I help you with your Crested Butte Real Estate Needs?

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Chris Kopf
Broker / Owner
Global Luxury Property Specialist
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
chris@chriskopf.com
(970) 209-5405