Buying a vacation home can be incredibly exciting. As you scout out vacation home destinations, write out your list of must-have appliances, and start browsing the internet for open listings, there’s one thing you may want to do first — hire a real estate agent.
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who can help you find the perfect vacation home for your needs and budget. They often work for a broker or realtor, and hiring a real estate agent to help you find your new home will make the buying process tremendously easier. A buying agent can help you search for properties and negotiate the buying contract.
There are many ways to find a real estate agent to work with. Many people turn to friends and family members for agent referrals because they want to work with someone they trust. As you start asking around for real estate agent referrals, don’t be afraid to ask questions like:
- What did you like most about your real estate agent?
- Do you know how long the agent has been in business?
- Was your real estate agent good at staying in touch and keeping communication going?
- Were there any bumps in the homebuying process that your real estate agent fixed?
- What did you like least about your real estate agent?
- Did your real estate agent send you updated listings often?
If you plan on reaching out to real estate agencies directly, you should consider asking the following questions:
How Many Clients Do You Have On A Regular Basis?
One great question to ask any real estate agents you speak with is, “How many clients do you have on a regular basis?” This is a good question to ask because some real estate agents take on dozens of clients at a time. This could mean that you won’t receive the personal attention you’re looking for. If your speaking with an agent who works with a high volume of clientele on a regular basis, consider asking them how they manage their priorities. If the real estate agent seems frazzled and unorganized, you may want to keep looking.
What Cities Or Towns Do You Have Experience In?
As you search for a vacation home, you’ll want to make sure you hire a real estate agent that has years of experience buying and selling in the destination you’re interested in. Some real estate agents are experts at certain neighborhoods and cities, and finding someone who knows all about the vacation town you’re interested in can make all the difference during the homebuying process. You’ll want to find a real estate agent that has extensive knowledge of the territory and local markets.
What Kind Of Communication Can I Expect From Working With You?
Before you hire a real estate agent, you’ll want to ask them what you can expect in terms of communication. It’s important to set these expectations right off of the bat so there’s no miscommunication down the line. Ask the real estate agent how often you should expect to hear from them, as well as what the best methods are for getting in touch. Do they prefer a phone call? An email? A simple text message? Find out!
How Long Have You Been In The Real Estate Business?
This is a very important question to ask each real estate agent you interview because it will give you an idea of that person’s professional experience. While it’s not necessarily true that experience equals success in the real estate industry, it’s important that the real estate agent you choose has experience buying and selling homes in the location you’re interested in.
Do You Have Any References I Can Call?
One of the best questions you can ask a real estate agent is if they have any references you can call. This is one of the best ways to get insight into the agent’s work ethic and communication. If the real estate agent gives you a list of references, this is usually a good sign. On the other hand, if an agent shys away from this question or refuses to give you references, you may want to keep looking around.
As you can see, there are many things to look for in a real estate agent. You’ll want to find an agent that has plenty of time to help you find a vacation home, as well as one with multiple references you can call.
The Porches Of Steamboat: Luxury Vacation Homes In The Heart Of Steamboat Springs
If you’re interested in purchasing a vacation home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, make sure you check out The Porches of Steamboat. The Porches offers residences in impeccably crafted homes that feature custom ranch fireplaces and generous outdoor living spaces. Other features include double car garages, professional kitchens, professional-grade windows, and air cleaning and humidifying systems.