How To Choose Your Real Estate Agent

If you’re planning on buying or selling your Lake of the Ozarks home in the near future, finding a good real estate agent to represent you is absolutely crucial. A dedicated, experienced real estate agent in the Lake area will be there to help you, guide you, and fight for you. With so many dollars at stake, having this constant ally by your side makes a huge difference—but how do you find the real estate agent that is right for you?

If you’re preparing to buy or sell your home, take the time to interview a few different real estate agents so you can find one whose experience and personality will be a good fit for you and your family. Here are a few good questions to help you get to know your potential real estate agent.

If You’re BUYING A Home, Ask Your Potential Agent…

1. What Type Of Buyers Do You Prefer Working With?
Some real estate agents gear their approach towards a certain type of buyer, such as couples preparing to buy their first home or families looking for a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Make sure the real estate agent you choose has experience representing buyers in your position. 

2. How Do You Prefer To Communicate?
Some parts of real estate transactions are incredibly time-sensitive. You don't want to risk missing out on your dream waterfront home because of a communication failure. Make sure your potential real estate agent will be easily accessible and will communicate with you via the method that works best for you.

3. How Do Your Final Sales Prices Compare To The Asking Prices?
As the home buyer, you usually will not have to pay the full asking price for your new home at the Lake of the Ozarks. An experienced buyer's agent will be able to coach you on how to negotiate the price to reach a number you and the seller are both satisfied with.

If You're SELLING A Home, Ask Your Potential Agent...

1. What Is Your Marketing Strategy?
Successfully selling your home is all about visibility. How will your real estate agent market your home? Can he/she guarantee your home will have great visibility on the market? How will he/she reach out to prospective buyers to promote your home? Make sure your agent's strategy aligns with your vision.

2. What Is Your Going Rate?
As the seller, you will typically be responsible for paying both of the real estate agents involved in your transaction - your listing agent and the buyer's agent. Make sure you know in advance what percentage of the price of the home you will be expected to pay to the real estate agents.

3. Do You Offer Any Guarantees?
If your home does not sell in a timely manner (or if for some reason you decide not to move) will you be able to cancel your agreement with your listing agent? How can he/she guarantee that your home will be sold? These are tough questions to ask and to answer, but it's crucial that you are both on the same page before you sign any contracts.

Contact Susan Spica For Real Estate At The Lake of the Ozarks!

If you're looking for a dedicated real estate agent at the Lake, I would love to set up a time to talk to you. With twenty-five years of experience selling real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks, I am well-equipped to help you and your family with your real estate transaction. I look forward to working with you!

Susan Spica, Professional Realtor

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868
Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484
Gina's Cell: (573) 889-9477