There are over 15,000 realtors in the Valley. Almost everyone knows an agent or is related to an agent. So how do you know if your agent is good? Is there a grading system? Unfortunately NO! In our changing market, this question becomes increasingly important. It may not be the best time to hand out listings as favors to your cousin’s new girlfriend.
Two Important Questions:
1) How much does your realtor sell?
2) Do their clients like them when the transaction is over?
Why is Volume Important?
a) The agent has a lot of experience dealing with transactions; therefore they know how to make things go smoothly so that all parties are happy
b) The agent knows a lot of people in the industry. As with every business, reputation and networking are crucial. It is important that your agent is well liked by their peers. This can be especially important to a buyer who is looking for a property that is hard to find or for a seller with a unique and difficult property to sell. If your realtor has solid relationships with other agents, you as a buyer may be able to see homes even before they hit the public MLS. If you are the seller, other agents are more likely to bring their buyers to see your home if they know your agent and want to work with him/her.
c) The agent is not desperate for their next paycheck. A desperate person may not always act in your best interest. A truly successful agent making a lot of sales is completely focused on your happiness. They understand that their long term success depends on you. Repeat business is the key to success.
It is obvious why working with an agent that you like is important. Surprisingly,
only 11% of second time buyers use the agent that sold them their first home. In other words, they were not thrilled with their agent’s performance the first time around. Sometimes there are logical reasons for not using the same realtor. For example, you may be moving out of state or buying directly from a builder. But in most cases, it is logistically possible to use the same realtor. So what is the best way to quantify if your agent is well liked by their past clients? This one is easy. Generally speaking, if a past client is willing to take the time write something nice about their realtor, then you are in good shape. Most people hate filling out surveys or writing letters (unless they had a terrible experience). Ask your realtor for references and testimonials. Also, take the time to investigate your realtor at the California Association of Realtors website (
http://www.car.org). Make sure they don’t have any “dings” on their record.
Contact The Dana Frank Team- Your Woodland Hills Real Estate Agent Expert:
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Dana Frank of Rodeo Realty, West Valley / Woodland Hills office, lists and sells Woodland Hills, as well as Calabasas real estate,residential homes, estates, houses and properties in West Hills, Agoura, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, ,Encino, Tarzana homes for sale Sherman Oaks, Topanga Canyon and the Western San Fernando Valley, located on the border of Eastern Ventura County and Los Angeles County in Southern California.Some of the neighborhoods I serve are Carlton Terrace, West of Valley Circle,Vista de Oro, the Girard tract, Walnut Acres, Westchester County, College Acres, and many more. Dana Frank, Woodland Hills Realtor , can provide you with Woodland Hills Relocation information and school information, Expertise in homes, estates, condominiums, townhomes, lakefront and horse properties. If your are looking for homes for sale in Melody Acres, Carlton Terrace, Woodland South, Woodland West, Warner Center. Dana, as a real estate agent focusing on the West Valley, specializes in these areas. Contact Dana for all of your relocation needs when you are looking for homes for sale in Woodland Hills, Ventura County or the northwest area of Los Angeles county, and Southern California. Dana Frank and Rodeo Realty are members of the MLS ® (CRIS Regional Multiple Listing Service ®) and the San Fernando Valley Association of Realtors , California Association of Realtors ® and National Association of Realtors ®.