"Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them"
There’s a common saying in the real estate industry regarding the vast number of agents in the business: “If you don’t have any friends who are agents, then you probably don’t have any friends at all.” While there’s an exception to every rule, and every marketplace has its own nuances, here are some solid rules to apply when you want the best representation to protect your interests.
Experience – The real estate profession is plagued by high turnover. This creates a workforce that is made up of many newcomers. While there are brand new agents with good intentions, why trust one of the largest investment you’ll ever buy or sell to someone without experience? Always look for an agent with at least two years of experience. Anyone still in the business after two years has probably learned at least the fundamentals of real estate.
Commitment – A real estate agent with a lack of full-time commitment makes it impossible for them to keep up with the vast changes in law, marketing and business practices that are occurring in the profession today. There is a large number of part time and recreational salespeople. These people have either retired from some other career, work in real estate seasonally or are earning a second income for the family and don’t need to work full time. No matter how long they have been in real estate, if an agent isn’t working at least thirty hours a week, fifty weeks a year, look for someone else.
Education – You cannot rely on licensing to indicate competence. And, unfortunately, many agent’s real estate education ends with their pre-license education.
A Gulfstream Sales Associate can help you through the entire process of buying a home, starting with the mortgage and continuing right through closing – and beyond. He or she can help you shop for the best interest rate and terms and, if you wish, suggest mortgage lenders.