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5 Ways to Work With a Real Estate Agent

August 11, 2017

Have you ever walked into an office to talk about a mortgage loan and felt the loan officer was talking in a foreign language? If so, you aren’t alone. The mortgage industry has its own dialect and can be very overwhelming.

I’ve been in your shoes and I understand your frustrations! Over the last five years, I have become a long distance runner and I’ll never forget how I felt at the beginning of my first marathon. I was at the start line, minutes from the gun going off and as I looked around, I suddenly began to panic, feeling I was not prepared or ready to run 26.2 miles. I spoke with a nearby runner who ran several marathons and she gave me advice that helped ease my anxiety and calm my nerves. The gun goes off, the race is underway and hours later, I finished my first marathon race!

When applying for a mortgage loan, those same feelings can happen! Feeling like you are not prepared or have not done enough research on the options available; feeling like you might not be ready to buy your first home; or feeling too overwhelmed by all the technical jibber-jabber.

That’s why I’m committed to taking the time to communicate with my members, outlining the entire mortgage process from start to finish, giving you advice and helping ease any anxiety or nerves you might have along the way.

I look forward to working with you to “buy the home you love.”

5 Ways to Work With a Real Estate Agent

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home?

Have you had a bad (or oh-so) experience in working with a real estate agent in the past?

Have you ever recommended a real estate agent that you have worked with to family or friends?

The National Association of Realtors Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers in 2016 says that while 73% were “satisfied” with the real estate agent they worked with, almost 50% did NOT recommend them.

Working with a real estate agent is a two-way street. They are expected to provide certain services when you are buying or selling. But what about your responsibilities? What should you do to make sure that your experience is an awesome one for you too?

1. Stay loyal: If they are going their job. Communicating with you on a regular basis. Doing what they say they are going to do. When you go to an open house or talk with another Realtor, let them know that you are already working with another agent.
2. How do you want them to work with YOU? Not only should they communicate with you, you need to let them know how you like to be communicated with. Phone. Email. Text. When you are available to look at new listings. Or if you are a seller, when you are available to show your home.
3. Understanding your needs: Let the agent know what type of home you are looking for. The location. Your family needs such as schools. Shopping. Distance to work. The more they know about your lifestyle, the better equipped they are to help you find the right home.
4. Ask questions: Even though an agent may have been in business for a long time, it does not mean that the agent is the right one for you. After you have shared your “needs” with them (see #3), ask what makes them qualified to work with you — either when buying or selling your home.
5. Establish a level of trust: This is a huge financial decision. And just like any relationship to work, there has to be a level of trust between both parties. That you trust the agent’s advice and recommendations. And they trust that you will be loyal and honest with them, too.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, please contact me so I can recommend to you a couple of great real estate agents.

Check out our TVFCU Mortgage Center and current rates!

Jessica Smith
Mortgage Originator
NMLS # 179250
423-634-3658 – direct line
423-596-1460 – cell phone
[email protected]