SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE aro Sane hatenseo. cA Greulaton (OMA): 32,5155). Type reasons): Novepaner(S) Sette Fal Estate Keynes Pcie Unon Rel Estate SOUND OFF What questions should clients ask when vetting a potential Realtor? ae ‘Az The Bay Area realestate market | Az Some people compare real is fiercely competitive, and prep- estate to being a blood sport, and aration is the name ofthe game. | when there is stiff competition and. Buyers and sellers need to bring it it boils down to the highest win- in order to win inthis low-invento- | ning bid being an all-eash offer, ryand high demand market. The | that’s how it feels. The realestate vital first step is due diligence; its | agent feels the pain as well as the imperative that your Realtor can | client, especially after showing lots give you the eompetitve cdgein | of homes, reading over disclosures Your specific area as this will ulti-_| and putting together multiple ‘mately determine your suecess. | offers for their clients Is hard ‘A buyer should ask how many sometimes, but a winning agent multiple-offer situations the Realtor | doesn't give up. thas handled in the past yea. If they | When vetting a real estate agent prevailed, what specifi steps were | to represent you in a competitive taken to set their elient apart? With | market, there are a few important the increased prevalence of off traits to look for. Do they have market sales, how ean you be sure | knowledge of what the list values that you will know about opportu- | vs. sale prices are in the areas you niles before they are on the Mul- | want? Do they investigate the ipl Listing Service? Ask for recent | disclosures and reports on a prop examples where they have strate- | erty you are considering? Do they gically structured competitive offers | know how to present your offer for their dients with the most de- | with all of the proper documents sirable terms possible. ready to compete? ‘A seller should ask a Realtor Perseverance is an important specifies on how they will prepare, quality ina business person. In a present and market the property. | tough marke, there ean some: ‘Ask about their recent track record | times be modifications to search of sales because numbers don't lie. | criteria that help a buyer get his Whether you are buying or sell- offer accepted. Sometimes it's just ‘ng, the Realtor you select to repre- | a matter of not giving up. sent you should be able toclemon- | When we keep our focus real strate successful results, They istic, there is no need to compro- should be proactive, enthusiastic | mise, The real estate market in the and responsive with excellent com- | Bay Area is eutthroat at the mo- ‘munications skills. Look forthe | ment and as long as you're still in Realtor that is dialed in to your | the game, the Realtor thal you local area and hest equipped to help | choose should be, too. you. Karin Cunningbo, Caretine Neon, Berkstire Haoway Home Union Real Et Services, (690) 430-3504, Re ee eee “tarinabbbacalreae. ‘artinenelumaspacion com. ‘Account 250874 (745) Ei ‘A: Representation matters, regard less ofthe market, Buyers require an agent who will win them the property, instead of spending ‘months submitting offers that never ‘materialize. Sellers need an agent ‘who advises them through prep- aration, listing and offer processes. 1s important to ask your Realtor some basie questions during the inital interview, Figure out how long they have been selling real estate in that particular area, Lon ager doesnt always mean better, but an experienced agent intimately ‘understands market conditions and should have industry relationships that can be leveraged during the offer process, Experienced agents are also seasoned experts at navi- gating from eserow to closing. ‘Ask what sets them apart from ‘other Realtors in the area, Observe their sales skills within there sponse. These skis will be applied to the sale of your home or the "presentation of you and your fer. A good agent will be able to provide at least one quantifiable advantage. ‘Ask the agent if they're willing to reduce their commission. This ist about angling for adiseount, but rather observing their negotiation ability. A good agent will be able to cutine their vale Beware of an agent who rushes you or doesn listen. Steer clear of Someone who speakce negatively about other agents. And don't hire an agent who presents poorly, or appears scattered or unorganized. “Justin Colunga, Vanguard Properties, (or) 017308 ptinrnguardifom, Pago t of