Interview Your Prospective Broker

 Interview Your Prospective Broker

By Robin Shapiro

Some people choose their real estate broker based upon reputation/word of mouth. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, EXCEPT that occasionally the choice is made without thorough due diligence:  without interviewing more than one broker. The sale of a house is frequently one of the biggest transactions in a person’s lifetime. When people buy cars, they often check with more than one dealer. It’s called capitalism!

There are many factors to consider in the choice of a real estate broker:

  • Compatibility – Does the broker “care” about you? Does the broker respond in a timely fashion to your calls, answer your questions, address your problems/concerns?
  • Expertise – Does the broker have thorough knowledge of the local market?
  • Advertising Budget – Does the broker have a good-sized advertising footprint? Does the broker use 3-D virtual photography?
  • Honesty/Integrity – Many brokers advertise that they have the highest integrity. Look at their ads: Do they use “bait and switch” advertising? Are water views really bay views? Is a shared driveway mentioned?  The deceptive broker may be deceptive to you, too. Beware the broker who makes a lowball offer to buy your home for himself. If he/she is buying it, ask yourself “why”?

The Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah ends at nightfall tomorrow night.  No work is permitted for the observant.

Call me. Love, Robin.

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