4 minute read
- 1. Are you a full-time agent?
- 2. How many homes have you sold in this specific community?
- 3. What specific community rules should I be aware of?
- 4. Which models or floor plans will suit my needs?
- 5. Will you show me listings of other agents?
- 6. What’s the sale-to-list price ratio in this community? And what’s your ratio when helping buyers?
- 7. What specific skills set you apart from other agents?
Whether you’re buying a new construction or resale home, a real estate agent will protect your interests and help you make the best possible investment. But how do you go about choosing a real estate agent? And should you look for special skills when you plan to buy a home in a 55+ community?
Real estate agents must be licensed to legally represent you. However, not all real estate agents have the same training or experience. Only real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors can be referred to as a Realtor.
At 55places.com, we hand select our Partner Agents based on their deep knowledge and expertise in the active adult space. We are confident that our Partner Agents will help you navigate your needs and lifestyle desires, by offering informed answers to every question to help you find your next place to call home.
Chad Walker, Vice President of Sales and Real Estate Operations at 55places.com
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when meeting with a real estate agent. And, if you aren’t happy with the responses, it’s okay to shop around for a new agent.
Here are some questions to ask when choosing a Realtor or real estate agent:
1. Are you a full-time agent?
Some real estate agents only sell homes part-time. If they have plenty of experience and are willing to work flexible hours to accommodate your schedule, this may not be a problem. However, you may feel more comfortable with someone who is a full-time agent.
2. How many homes have you sold in this specific community?
This is an important question to ask when choosing a Realtor or real estate agent. When relocating to an active adult community, you’re investing in the development as much as you are in the home itself. A real estate agent who has experience with the specific community may be able to provide more insight into the development and its history.
3. What specific community rules should I be aware of?
Active adult communities will have rules for both the upkeep of the homes and conduct when in community buildings. In age-restricted communities, there are likely to also be rules about the ages of people who live in your home and the length of time under-aged visitors can stay. Your real estate agent should be aware of these rules or willing to find the information for you.
4. Which models or floor plans will suit my needs?
During your initial meeting, plan to bring a list of the features you want in your new home. Your real estate agent should be knowledgeable about the available models of homes that could be a good fit, even if that means suggesting homes in other nearby communities.
5. Will you show me listings of other agents?
While real estate agents have their own listings, they should be happy to show you other agents’ listings. In fact, it’s usually in your best interest to use a real estate agent who only represents your side of the sale. The listing agent has already committed to representing the seller, and you want a real estate agent who’ll focus on your interests.
6. What’s the sale-to-list price ratio in this community? And what’s your ratio when helping buyers?
In real estate, the sale-to-list price ratio compares recently sold homes’ list prices to their actual sales prices. Your agent’s track record may be a good sign of skill.
For example, if homes in a community typically sell for 95% of their list price, and your real estate commonly helps buyers negotiate deals at 90% of the list price, that can be a positive sign. However, many factors affect the sale-to-list ratio, so it isn’t the only reason to choose an agent.
7. What specific skills set you apart from other agents?
Real estate agents can have a wide range of training beyond their basic salesperson license. They may be a member of the National Association of Realtors or have earned local sales awards or distinctions. Real estate agents can also complete training that would make them more qualified to help you buy into an active adult community, such as becoming a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).
55places Can Connect You With a Real Estate Agent
Those are the most pressing things to ask when choosing a Realtor or real estate agent, but you may have many more homebuying questions! Luckily, 55places is the number one resource for active adult communities. We can connect you with a real estate agent specializing in active adult living. If you’re ready to start your homebuying journey, contact us today! We’ll find you an agent to help you make your next move the best one yet.
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To learn more information or connect with a real estate expert, contact us today.
