Any businessman will not ever mix business with his personal relationships. Same holds true when you take help of a real estate agent to buy your dream house or want to rent out your property to earn few extra bucks each month. Brokers may always make you feel that you don’t understand a minor intricacy of this industry and they are your only savior. But not to forget under today’s challenging market scenarios embracing the real estate industry, they are experts in their field.
Be clear on who will deal with you
Many real estate agents may pass on the customer service bit post the deal to their junior staff. They might want to concentrate on the next heavy duty deal. This will mean that you end up signing the last paper work and legal formalities with the staff you is not as experienced as the dealer himself. Your phone calls will be transferred to his junior to answer your queries.
Try to assess for any scope of negotiations
Brokers always pose as if they always work on fixed price concept. However it is all a game of demand and supply. Don’t let him under estimate your need of buying your dream house. Let him know that you have lot of options available in hand and this is not your last resort. Make him a little insecure. Else you can simply ask the dealer to reduce his fee and negotiate as per your convenience and pocket. Remember, nothing is engraved on stone and there is always a scope for negotiation. How you utilize you negotiation skills, depends on you.
Don’t let them play the assumption game
Dealers often ask you to assume things and let you believe that all is well. They want the seal the sale on immediate basis before you change your mind. Don’t let this happen and get exact clarity on whatever you want. Get specific to understand the real situation.
Brokers are not experts all the time
Be sure that the real estate agent you are trying to contact specializes about the area where you want to buy or sell your property. If you are trying to find a certain type of property, ensure that the agent has served same type of property earlier.
Try to opt for a qualified real estate agent
Try hiring a CRS qualified broker. These folks have to keep themselves updated at all times with the latest policy and procedures. They need to know about latest taxation issues and more. For instance, if one is not efficient and honest, the license of that person is seized.
Brokers are not your friendsBe sure that the real estate agent you are trying to contact specializes about the area where you want to buy or sell your property. If you are trying to find a certain type of property, ensure that the agent has served same type of property earlier.
Read the agreement back to front
Before you sign the deal, check all aspects you may think can go wrong. Read the agreement carefully from start to end ranging from commission to any other legal aspects.
Take the house in the condition mutually agreed
Take a final walk through the new house to check for any irregularities. For instance, confirm if all the required repairs are completed and everything is in order. Don’t take it in a condition unacceptable to you. Seek clarification if in doubt about anything.
Inspect the deal before signing
You do not know the place as good as the dealer does. He will always be well aware of the pros and cons of the house. He would know if there are water issues or house is constantly surrounded by termites. Rest assured your dealer will never disclose such facts to you as he would want the deal to be closed as soon as possible without any conflicts. Take help of a home inspector to look for things which you might not notice. Broker may have committed to keep such things confidential before the deal with the seller for a price. If in doubt, there are plenty of other houses waiting for you.
Let not your broker play with legal aspects
Your broker may not be a lawyer but still might try to mess around with legal terms. The boilerplate on most legal papers gives very little room for changes. Read the agreement carefully to assess any language manipulations. If you do not read or notice such tricks, you get into a legal battle very easily as there would be a difference in what you think you are getting and what you actually get.
