What Real Estate Agents Don't Want You to Know
Although there are many honest and hardworking real estate agents in the industry who conscientiously try to save you money and get you a better deal on your dream home, there are unfortunately also a few bad apples that tend to spoil everything for the rest of the bunch. Similar to the stereotypical scorn directed toward bankers in recent years, many realtors are looked upon with derision, even though the vast majority of realtors simply want to work hard to find you the house you've always wanted, in spite of how long-lasting or frustrating the overall process becomes.
As such, it is vital that you hire a real estate agent who is willing to help you instead of hindering you. Here are four of the most devious and underhand behaviors that a bad realtor may practice.
As such, it is vital that you hire a real estate agent who is willing to help you instead of hindering you. Here are four of the most devious and underhand behaviors that a bad realtor may practice.
What About Damage? - One of the most deceitful practices that a real estate agent will engage in is keeping negative things about the property you are interested in secret. By not disclosing any of the off-putting aspects of the home you might want to purchase, such as termites or flood damage, your realtor is actively withholding information and pulling the wool over your eyes so they can make a quick sale. At times, the home inspector might actually be aware of these types of problems but, since they could also be in league with the realtor, they will also keep quiet about the tribulations you may eventually encounter.
No Offers? - If you are trying to sell your home, your realtor is obligated to notify you about any offer, regardless of if the offer price is considerably below your own asking price. In some cases, a broker will choose to disregard low-ball offers and choose to not tell you about them; their logic being that a higher offer means a higher commission to pocket for themselves. After hiring a real estate agent, it is crucial you make it clear that you want to be informed of every single offer that comes your way. If you don't quickly stamp out this sort of behavior, you might be allowing your broker to make the types of decisions you should be making yourself.
Is It A Nice Neighborhood? - One of the most significant factors when it comes to buying or selling a home is the accompanying environment; are the surroundings always neat and tidy, and are your neighbors friendly and sociable or surly and hostile? Are there noisy teenage kids or bark-happy dogs that seem hell-bent on keeping you awake late at night? In essence, is the neighborhood generally pleasant, welcoming and friendly? Over the coming months and years, these kinds of things will begin to impinge on your enjoyment and happiness, so try to find out if you will be plagued by such problems when you move into a new area. If your realtor has done their homework regarding the neighborhood you may ultimately move into, you'll be able to sleep peacefully every night!
Zoning Problems? - Imagine that you've randomly walked through a previously unseen neighborhood and, lo and behold, you end up spotting the house of your dreams. What's even better is that it's for sale and also comfortably within your budget as it appears to be a bit of a fixer-upper. Eureka, the stars have aligned and the universe appears to be on your side! However, don't get too carried away. Some of the properties that are located in quieter and more pastoral neighborhoods are sold with a catch: adding an outside deck or cutting down that tall tree in the backyard to make the area look bigger might not be possible due to environmental zoning regulations. Therefore, although you might fall head over heels in love with a particular residence, make sure you ask your realtor if it's okay to make changes to the property before you make up your mind.
It is important that you hire an experienced realtor who will work well with you. A good real estate agent is a priceless resource because they will work tirelessly to get you the perfect property you're looking for as well as hopefully saving you money and streamlining the entire buying or selling process for you too.
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Real estate agents are more interested in quickly finding a place for you and getting their commission. They don't care about your life in that place afterward.
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