Purchasing property can be one of the most important things you do in your life. Whether you’re working with a listing agent or a short sale realtor, it’s important to find someone you are comfortable working with. Whether you’re looking for real estate in Indio, La Quinta or Rancho Mirage, you need to work with someone who can give you advice regarding which neighborhoods to live in, help you vet your best financing options and provide resources for anything else you are uncertain of.
To find the best agent to work with, assess their prior experience. If you know someone who used a particular short sale realtor, broker or any other real estate professional that they were extremely happy with, seek out their contact information. If they are local to the area you want to live in, then by all means, take a meeting as soon as you can.
If you don’t know someone off the top of your head who recently bought a home in the area you’re considering, then start asking around. Seek recommendations from those you trust, such as friends, family and co-workers—you never know who they might know. If you’re living in Los Angeles but are interested in buying real estate in Indio, Palm Springs or the surrounding areas, then ask the agent you worked with to find your current home for a referral to a local agent in the new area you’re considering.
Buying property is an incredibly important and oftentimes complicated transaction to execute. It’s essential to take your time to find the right agent to work with. If you’re meeting with them blind, then ask for references and interview them about their experience and qualifications. Who knows—you may find someone who’ll be able to help you with other transactions down the line. It’s a critical working relationship to develop, so make sure you weigh your options and do your research.