Real Estate Can Be Complicated, Finding the Right Agent Shouldn’t Be -- What to Look for in a Professional

It’s that time of year again when people find a renewed interest in real estate. Homeowners prepare their homes for selling. Open houses are busier with would-be buyers. And real estate agents lead the way, helping make housing dreams come true in San Francisco.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 17, 2006 -- It’s that time of year again when people find a renewed interest in real estate. Homeowners prepare their homes for selling. Open houses are busier with would-be buyers. And real estate agents lead the way, helping make housing dreams come true in San Francisco.

With so many details to tend to, working with the right agent is the key to a successful real estate experience. How do you know if the agent you’ve hired is looking out for your best interests and is knowledgeable enough to provide the professional service you require when making one of the biggest financial transactions of a lifetime?

With a few helpful tips from the San Francisco market experts at Zephyr Real Estate, the largest independent real estate firm in the City, you’ll be prepared to make the decision that is best for you.

“Real estate is a relationship business, bottom line,” according to Kim Parry, a top Zephyr agent working out of the West of Twin Peaks office. “Experience and proven history are very important, but feeling comfortable about the arrangement and trusting the advice of your real estate professional are valuable components.”

Realize that the average agent completes 148 tasks per transaction, emphasis here on average. When investing nearly one million dollars or more to get into a home, who wants just an average real estate agent? A top producing agent performs hundreds of tasks per transaction to ensure their clients receive the highest level of service possible – this is someone to hire.

Other qualities to look for would be responsiveness and organization. As the client, you need a real estate expert who returns phone calls and emails promptly, and is available to answer all questions completely and correctly. Your agent should also be aware of and on top of deadlines, from home repairs and inspections to appraisals and paperwork, making sure you receive copies of important documents and checks.

A good agent will evaluate all aspects of the property you are interested in buying or selling. This would include providing you with information on the size of the water heater, the heating source, ages of appliances, suspicious stains and more. They should also help prepare your home for sale, making honest suggestions on how to improve the look and appeal of a property for quicker and higher dollar sale. Recommendations for outside sources such as home stagers, landscapers and painters are also valuable professionals for help freshening up the look of an outdated home.

For a client who is both a buyer and a seller, many agents will consider negotiating commission for handling both transactions. Real estate can be a lengthy and complicated process, and people turn to their agent for guidance and counsel. Look for a professional who is a vigorous but fair advocate on your behalf, someone who is able to defend your interests without offending the other party. In a perfect world, the real estate expert you choose will be sure to continue your relationship long after the sale is completed.

For professional, personal help buying or selling your home, contact Zephyr Real Estate at www.zephyrsf.com.

Zephyr Real Estate

Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco’s largest independent real estate firm with nearly $1.5 billion dollars in annual gross sales in 2005 and a current roster of more than 200 full-time agents. Zephyr has five offices strategically located in San Francisco and serves a large customer base throughout the City. For information, visit www.zephyrsf.com.

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