Home Features
When making a list of features that you’d like to have, my suggestion is always to prioritize them and make 3 categories.
First one is what you really must have in your new home. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, finished basement, double car garage with two car driveway is a good example.
Second should be list of features that you could do without but you would want to have them if possible. In-ground pool, Walkout basement, are great examples.
Third is bonus category. In this category you list all of the other features that would be nice to have, but are not deal breakers. Central vac, sound system throughout the house, are good examples for this category.
Find a Realtor
Best way to find a good Realtor is to get one referred to you by your family, friends or coworkers. I like referrals, mostly because good people attract other good people around themselves. But if you like to be more profound, then make a list of agents. Call them and schedule the interview appointments and start from there. Ask how long they’ve been in business, are they full time or part time, what is their list price to sale price ratio? Ask any questions that might be important to you about selling strategy of your home, and strategy of finding you new home, what kind of advertising they are doing, open house they are planning on doing, etc. If you’re just buying there will be no charge to you, if you’re seller, rates are negotiable and its Realtors ultimate discretion.
Moving to another city If you’re moving from one city to another, you might want to hire a Realtor that is local to the city you’re moving in. There are few reasons for that.
1. Access of information. Realtor working in another neighboring city may not have the access to local real estate board and therefore would not be able to access local statistics, comparable properties etc.;
2. Local Realtors know the area very well, know which parts of the city may have some issues, just to name few, zoning changes, future developments, proximity to closed up old landfill turned to new subdivision;
3. Your local Realtor will have connection to contractors, lawyers, home inspectors, etc.