Choosing a REALTOR®

You’ve decided to enlist the help of a professional to help you find and buy a home or property. Here are some tips to help you find a real estate agent.

1.       Find at least three real estate agent’s to interview.

·         Ask friends, family and even neighbor’s for recommendations. Who did they use when purchasing their home? Would they use that same agent in another real estate transaction? Did they feel safe and trust the agent they used throughout the search and during the buying process?

·         Use the internet. The internet is a great way to find professionals. Increasing numbers of agents have web sites readily available for you to evaluate before you even pick up the phone to arrange an interview. Simply go to your favorite search engine and conduct a search for real estate in the city you hope to buy. Try different variations like “Yahoo or Google search engines”, “Bahamas Real Estate Association website at www.bahamasrealestateassociation.com ” or even “Your Telephone Directory yellow pages”.

Check out the agent’s web site to see if they include a page that discusses their own achievements, experience and years in the industry. If you have special needs such as relocation from a different state, you may want to consider an agent that specializes in relocation needs. Or, if you are a senior looking for retirement property, you may want to consider hiring a Senior Specialist.

Don’t discount an agent simply because they are new and don’t have much experience. Generally, new agents have more time to help you and are eager to please.

2.       Interview the top agents you’ve found yourself or were recommended to you by others. You should be prepared to ask relevant questions to help you determine if the agent will be a good match for you.

·         Are you a licensed REALTOR® with Bahamas Real Estate Association?

It is usually in a Buyer’s best interest to find a licensed REALTOR®, not just a person who say they are a real estate agent. REALTORS® generally work full time, are committed financially to their business and have been extensively trained to serve your needs. They are also members of the Bahamas Real Estate Association of REALTORS® and can show you the license.

·         Are you a full time REALTOR®?

Part time agents might miss your dream house as it hits the market. If the market is hot, you risk losing your dream home. Full time agents are better options.

·         How often will you inform me of new listings that match my criteria?

If an agent is not ready, willing and able to inform you of new listings matching your criteria the same day they hit the market you may want to consider a different agent. In hot markets homes sell quickly.

·         How long have you worked the real estate market in this area?

Experience can certainly play an important role in helping you find and buy the perfect home or property. New agents may not know how to deal with certain situations that occur during the transaction. An agent capable of handling difficult transactions can be the key to closing the deal.

However, remember new agents generally have much time on their hands. They may be more vigorous in your home or property search than an agent currently working with many other buyers. In addition, they have extensive backing from their Broker during situations they may not be familiar with. Don’t discount new agents simply because they are new. Take into consideration whether the other agents you interview already have full plates.

·         How quickly will you return my phone calls? Do you have a call back policy?

Some agents return phone calls during specific times each day while others will call you back as soon as they receive the message. Make sure the agent gives you one good phone number that you’ll be able to reach them with at all times.

·         Don’t conduct your interview as a question/answer interview. Have a real conversation. You need to get a feel for the agent’s personality as well.

·         Agents that answer your questions stating yes or no are probably not someone you want to deal with. Find an agent that will happily answer your questions extensively so you understand the details of your relationship from the beginning. This will help you avoid any problems down the road.

·         If you have special needs such as relocation, first time home buying, or any others, tell the agent and ask if they have any experience and training with buyers like you.

3.       Ask the agent or broker if he or she is licensed by the Bahamas Real Estate Association, If they say yes, ask to see their real estate license, if they say no, ask if they are under apprenticeship with a licensed Broker, if they are, then you would want to meet the Broker and see his/her license which should be posted on the wall of the agency office. This apprentice is under supervision the Broker and can be more enthusiastic to sell your house then a season agent who may have their hands full and may not time you need. Remember, selling your house is a legal transaction and a licensed Broker/Agent is trained and bound his/her license under the laws of the commonwealth of the Bahamas “The Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen Act Chapter 171” enacted for your protection in a real estate transaction. Don’t trust your investment with an un-licensed person.

4.       Compare the agents you interviewed to make the final decision of whom to hire. What do you like and not like about each? Make a list and discuss it with family and friends that have been through the process. They may have valuable tips to help you make the right decision.

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Bayshore Realty Limited
P. O. Box F-44704
No: 8 Seahorse Shopping Plaza
Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 373-3950 ~ Fax: (242) 373-8363 ~ US (305) 395-7081
Website: http://www.bayshorerealtyltd.com ~ sales@bayshorerealtyltd.com