Boston condos for sale: Selecting a real estate agent
Boston Condos for sale
Boston condos for sale: Selecting a real estate agent
If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate all of that alone.
When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of moving pieces. And that’s especially true in today’s housing market. The number of homes for sale is still low, and home prices and mortgage rates are still high. That combination can be tricky if you don’t have reliable expertise and a trusted advisor on your side. That’s why the best place to start is connecting with a local real estate agent.
Ford Realty Inc Most Useful Source in the Boston Condo Buying Process
The latest annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds recent homebuyers agree the #1 most useful source of information they had in the home buying process was a real estate agent. Let’s break down why.
How an Agent Helps When You Buy a Home
When you think about a real estate agent, you may think of someone taking you on home showings and putting together the paperwork, but a great agent does so much more than that. It’s not just being the facilitator for your purchase, it’s being your guide through every step.
The visual below shows some examples from that same NAR release of the many ways an agent adds value. It includes the percentage of homebuyers in that report who highlighted each of these benefits:
Here’s a bit more context on how the survey results noted an agent continually helps buyers in these situations:
- Helped Buyer’s Understand the Process: Do you know the difference between an inspection and an appraisal, what each report tells you, and why they’re both important? Or that there are things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage, like buying appliances or furniture? An agent knows all of these best practices and will share them with you along the way, so you don’t miss any key steps by the time you get to the closing table.
- Pointed Out Unnoticed Features or Faults with the Home: An agent also has a lot of experience evaluating homes. They’ve truly seen it all. They’ll be able to pinpoint some things you may not have noticed about the home that could help inform your decision or at least what repairs you ask for.
- Provided a Better List of Service Providers: In a real estate transaction, there are a lot of people involved. An agent has experience working with various professionals in your area, like home inspectors, and can help connect you with the pros you need for a successful experience.
- Negotiated Better Contract Terms and Price: Did something pop up in the home inspection or with the appraisal? An agent will help you re-negotiate as needed to get the best terms and price possible for you, so you feel confident with your big purchase.
- Improved Buyer’s Knowledge of the Search Area: Moving to a new town and you’re not familiar with the area, or you’re staying nearby, but don’t know which neighborhoods are most affordable? Either way, an agent knows the local area like the back of their hand and can help you find the perfect location for your needs.
- Expanded Buyer’s Search Area: And if you’re not finding anything you’re interested in within your initial search radius, an agent will know other neighborhoods nearby you should consider based on what you like, what amenities you want, and more.
Beacon Hill Real Estate Agents and the Bottom Line
If you’re looking to buy a home, don’t forget about the many ways an agent is essential to that process. Any hurdle that pops up, a negotiation that needs to take place, and more, your agent will know how to handle it while they make sure to minimize your stress along the way. Let’s connect to tackle this together.
Ford Realty Beacon Hill – Condo for Sale Office
Boston condos for sale – Ford Realty Inc
Updated: Boston Condos for Sale Blog 2023
Byline – John Ford Boston Beacon Hill Condo Broker 137 Charles St. Boston, MA 02114
Ford Realty – Google My Business
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In today’s hot Boston Back Bay condo market, it’s more important than ever to choose the right agent to help you buy or sell a home.
Real estate agents don’t just offer local expertise—their insider knowledge and marketing prowess come in handy, too.
Thinking about making a move in the new year? Contact us to start planning now!
Here Are the Top 10 Qualities Every Successful Real Estate Agent Should Have
Did you know that 75% of Boston condo buyers and sellers work with the first agent they meet? It’s true—but that doesn’t mean it’s the best decision. If you want to come out on top in today’s Boston real estate competitive market, experts often recommend interviewing a few candidates before settling on the right real estate professional for the job. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve outlined 10 qualities of a highly successful agent.
They keep up with the latest Boston cond market sold data
Whether you’re buying or selling a downtown Boston condo for sale, you’ll want to keep up with the latest sold data for your neighborhood of choice. Sold data reports consist of homes that recently sold in your area, as well as their final prices. Not only do these numbers help sellers determine an accurate list price, but they can also be used by buyers to gauge an area’s affordability. A top-notch agent should be willing to provide you with up-to-date data every step of the way.
They know what’s happening in the downtown Boston real estate market
It’s hard to know what 2922 real estate market will look like. But with careful forecasting, a local agent should be able to provide some valuable insight. Boston downtown real estate agents can educate buyers and sellers on everything from price fluctuations to mortgage rates—just make sure they’re using accurate data to back up their predictions.
Boston condo agents that are social media savvy
Nowadays, Boston condo-buying and selling primarily happens on the internet. According to recent research, over 95% of buyers start searching for Boston condos for sale online, which makes it imperative that agents maintain an active presence on their social platforms. Be sure to ask your agent about the virtual tools they offer buyers and sellers, such as access to the MLS, social media promotion, and paid advertising. Bonus points if they have their own website, too!
Boston condo brokers that have a network of contacts
When it comes to buying or selling a Boston condo for sale, it truly takes a village. A well-connected Boston condo agent can refer you to their network of local contacts, such as plumbers, landscapers, lawyers, and so much more. You’ll rest easy knowing that you can trust their recommendations for local service providers!
Their Boston real estate Google Reviews are positive
If a Boston real estate agent provides legendary Google customer service reviwes, their past clients are more than willing to leave positive feedback—or even refer them to their loved ones! Ask your potential agent about their reviews, or take a look online to see what previous buyers and sellers have to say about working with them.
They’re punctual for Boston condo for sale appoitments
This one should be a given! The current Boston condo for sale market moves faster than ever before, which makes punctuality an even more important quality than usual. If your agent is on-time (or early!) to your appointments, you’ll know they’re treating you like a priority.
It’s easy to get in touch with your Boston condo broker
Keeping in touch with your Boston North End condo broker is key when it comes to the Boston real estate market, so you’ll want to share the same method of communication as your agent. Tell your agent from the beginning whether you prefer to text, email, or talk on the phone. Not responding in a timely manner is a big red flag.
They’re shrewd with Boston condo negotiators
South Boston condo buyers and sellers alike should look for an agent with top-notch negotiation skills to get them the best possible price. And if you want to evaluate a real estate agent’s prowess, just ask yourself this question: how well did they negotiate with you to win your business?
They’ve built their own Boston real estate brand
Real estate agents don’t just help you buy or sell a home—they need to be expert marketers on both sides of the transaction. Solid branding can help agents rise to the top of the competition and build a reputation that people rely on, trust, and recognize. Exploring an agent’s social media and website can give you a good idea of their personal branding strategies.
You get along with your Boston real estate agent
When you’re trusting someone with one of your biggest investments, it’s crucial to get along on both a professional and personal level. If you can’t have difficult conversations with your agent—or if you don’t get along with them—consider going with another candidate. Personality can sometimes trump experience!
Boston Condos for Sale and the Bottom Line
Ready to start planning your 2022 move? Now is the time to find the perfect agent for the job! Contact us today to learn more about what we bring to the table, or explore our other resources to get a head start on buying or selling. We’re always here to offer superior service throughout every step of the transaction!
Boston Condos for sale
Click Here to view: Google Ford Realty Inc Reviews
Boston Real Estate for Sale
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Boston Real Estate
There are many wonderful apps for Boston condo for sale buyers. There are a few where all you have to do is find a downtown Boston condo and tap on a link to schedule an appointment.
The apps belong to Boston real estate companies, real estate agents and companies that sell “leads” to real estate agents.
Go ahead and use the apps, they will save time and make your home search easier.
If you plan to work with a buyers agent choose the agent by interviewing a few or getting recommendations from people you know not by tapping on an app.
I recently worked with a home buyer who found his agent through an app. He found that the agent had no experience in the neighborhood or with the Beacon Hill condos he wanted to see.
For years I have worked with people who use the web site of a major real estate company to search for homes. It is one of the best home searches out there.
Developing software and working with home buyers are two very different occupations that require different skill sets.
I strongly encourage buyers who wish to shop for a home online or with their phone to choose the web site or the app that they find the easiest to use and the most useful.
For Boston condos for sale selecting a Boston real estate agent. Here are a few tips:
1) How long have they been in the real estate business?
Take into consideration how long the agent has been involved in Boston real estate, and what roles they’ve had. Multiple roles may help the process go a little smoother. Also find out if this is their full time job, or just something they do on the side.
2) Do they have real estate specialties & credentials?
Real estate agents who specialize in downtown condos may not be the best match to sell or purchase a house.
3) What is their average Boston condo sale like?
Find out how long it takes to make an average sale, and what the initial asking prices were, as well as the final sale prices. This is an indication of how skilled the agent is at showing homes and marketing them.
4) What is their real estate marketing plan?
Find out what marketing plan the agent plans on using. Look for aggressive, innovative approaches and familiarity with technology. They should be able to speak about potential buyers, and how they will reach them.
5) Check that they’re real estate license
Agents are licensed in the states that they are selling in—in this case, Massachusetts. Check with your state’s regulatory body to find out if the agent is licensed, or if there have been any documented disciplinary actions or complaints.
6) Check their current Boston condo listings
Look at the agent’s current downtown Boston real estate listings. You can look on the agent’s own website and on services like Zillow.com and Realtor.com. How long have they been on the market and do the listings match what you’re trying to buy or sell? This is a good indication of how they may be able to perform for you.
7) Talk with recent clients
Ask for a list of what they’ve listed and sold in the past year with contact information. Find out if anybody was particularly pleased or disappointed. Look for properties that match the one you’re selling or buying and find out how long it was on the market and ask the buyers and sellers what their experience was like with this agent.
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