If you have been perusing Palm Springs homes for sale on the internet and are now ready to look at some in person, you have a very important decision to make, namely, who will you choose to represent you. The following are a couple important questions to ask when looking for the perfect Palm Springs real estate agent to help with your home purchase.
What areas do they focus on?
You want a Palm Springs real estate expert, so make sure that is what you are getting. If you talk to someone whose primary focus is somewhere else, it doesn’t mean they will be unable to handle your transaction, but someone who is familiar with this area will be more in-tune with prices, appreciation, neighborhoods, schools, and demand. An experienced Palm Springs agent will also be familiar with, or at least able to get their hands on deed restrictions and other pertinent community information.
Is real estate their full-time job?
Make sure your prospective agent sells real estate full-time. It is fine if they volunteer at the homeless shelter a couple times per month, but their primary employment focus needs to be on Palm Springs real estate. Selling real estate is tough, from the hours to the inconsistent pay. Many people get into real estate sales thinking that it will be easy, flexible, and fun. Your agent needs to have a proven track record of success.
Beyond what an agent will share with you, the internet can help you determine what they have achieved, generally with customer satisfaction scores and home sales data. At the very least, you can access their licensure information and see if there have ever been any complaints filed against them. If an agent is doing real estate as their part-time gig, you will have to work around their schedule rather than vice versa.
Do they work alone or are they part of a team?
As agents build their business, often they reach a point where they need an assistant. In a real estate business, a knowledgeable assistant is irreplaceable. For the consumer, having an additional point of contact can be very valuable. Eventually, in addition to an assistant, a busy agent may hire on a buyer’s agent.
Ask your prospective agent how their business is structured. There is a fine line between a busy agent who manages their time wisely and an agent who outsources most of their buyer work. Working with buyers is generally more time-consuming, so that is where busy agents need more help. This is fine if the person helping them is experienced and trained. But it can be a disaster if they have a newbie driving you around.
How do they like to work?
Beyond all the statistical data you can gather, you also just have to simply be able to work with the agent you select. Ask if they have certain hours or days they prefer to work. Also, talk about communication preferences, talk versus text or e-mail, etc. If you can match up for the most part in these areas (they should accommodate you), and you feel they are competent, it will likely be a successful working relationship.
If you are like most buyers, your purchase of Palm Springs real estate will be your largest personal investment. To make sure the process goes off without a hitch, ask the right questions, check references, and trust your gut. Your Palm Springs real estate agent should be the best. Use the tips above as conversation starters you should be well on your way to a wonderfully successful partnership!