Whether you are buying a resale home, townhome or condominium or building a new one, it's ok to ask your prospective agent pertinent questions prior to hire. Are you a broker or an agent? Do you have an advanced education? In the case of homebuilding, do you know the builders personally? Can you pick-up the phone and talk with senior management? If you can't do you know people who can? Ask good questions, listen carefully to the responses, are they specific or general B-Fluff?
Refined agents tend to be specialists in regions as well as practice. Some work more with builders, such is the case with Washington Metro Builders Realty Council at: www.realtycouncil.com. Others tend to be listing agents and some are selling agents. It is rare to find one who truly does it all and does it well. When they say they do it all, it reminds me of PHP web programmers who claim to be skilled graphic artists. That's like asking a hairdresser to do civil engineering calculus. In sum, put on your sneakers and jog fast. A doctor specializes too, would you go to a podiatrist for an ear infection? It's not much different in the real estate industry. Beware of the "I do it all" agent... ask good questions, look for real experience, higher education and perhaps of equal importance, interpersonal chemistry with the professional you may secure to handle one of the most important financial decisions of your life, your new home.
There are many great real estate professionals practicing in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC., take the extra time and you will find one. Be careful of securing the services of friends and family, you could lose them over a transactional disagreement. Yes we know... it's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't," just be aware of the occupational risks.
The pros really do care, will spare you from hardship and headache while likely saving you a lot of your hard earned money with skilled/ shrewd negotiation tactics ensuring your resale real estate transaction or new home construction process sails smooth.
