Choosing a Realtor for Life There are several reasons that you want to build a relationship with a real estate agent and keep that relationship healthy whether you are currently buying or selling houses or not.
As an agent I frequently go through my clients and friends (I have people that I have never been in a transaction with, but they refer me to their friends and they are some of my golden people) and I check to see that their taxable values are in line each year and not exceeding fair market value.
Many of my clients I put a phone call into periodically to let them know what the neighbors house is selling for, or what was paid for it and what the market is doing in general.
Your chosen agent has a good handle on your neighborhood and, knowing the amenities of your home, are in a position to tell you quickly what your home could sell for. In a situation where you are refinancing or going through a divorce this can be extremely valuable information to have in a hurry.
Your agent/friend can also tell you about home trends currently and what items can be added to increase value. Want to add a pool? In our area that's not going to increase the sales price much, if at all. Certain neighborhoods, however, would be a great fit for a pool. It's good to know if you are one of those neighborhoods or if adding granite countertops to your kitchen will add value.
Build a relationship with an agent that you can trust and like. It'll be a great investment in your future!
