Everyone knows that a real estate purchase is almost always the most expensive purchase most people will ever make in their lives. The importance of this fact cannot be overstated . As the Broker/Owner of Homes On 30A, I wear many hats and I have represented both buyers and sellers in many real estate transactions along 30A. Truth be told, I have a tremendous amount of experience and expertise in representing buyers in their search and acquisition of real estate.
Lets talk about the pitfalls in choosing a great 30a real estate agent and some things you should keep in mind. The real estate market has experienced a strong rebound over the past 18 months and the projections are showing further increases in prices and activity. As is always the case, this brings many people “jumping in” or rejoining the real estate business. For the most part, these people lack the experience and therefore the expertise you need from an agent when purchasing a property. Many of these “licensees” will not spend the time or effort, for a variety of reasons, to become serious agents and you can and will pay the price. When choosing an agent, always talk to more than one. If you choose an agent with limited experience, ask if they have a broker or another agent they are mentoring with. You deserve it!
One of the biggest disservices an agent can make when representing a buyer is to show only their own listings or only listings from their agency. This is bad business and severely limits your options as a buyer. ALWAYS make sure that you are seeing everything that is available and don’t be afraid to ask an agent directly “are you showing me everything that is available” and “how many of these properties are your listings or your agency’s listings”? An agent who limits you to specific listings is only interested in one thing and it’s not you!
Be prepared, when interviewing a prospective agent, to ask questions about the “process” of buying a property. The right lender, the right insurance agent, a good solid home inspection team, flood zones, who to manage your property if you are placing it in a vacation rental pool. Can the agent provide you with some income and expense projections? Detail and background on a homeowners association. I suggest you be quite specific in asking these questions. There are many real estate agents who are not experienced enough to provide you with the expertise and guidance you should expect. Confidence and competence go hand in hand and it doesn’t take long to separate the good ones from the “rest”.
As a broker here at Homes On 30A, I make sure that every agent is aware that it is our job to do the very best we can in providing clients with as much information as possible, access to all available inventory and provide excellent service throughout the buying process. Agents at Homes On 30A are all seasoned, experienced and recognized as top producers in the real estate field. We are very proud of our team and look forward to providing you with a great experience when you choose to become an owner in an amazing area such as this.
Karen Holder
Broker Owner
850.687.1064
www.HomesOn30A.com
3092 W County Hwy 30A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459