Peter Pays Paul

According to Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® there are currently 1,241 active REALTORS® in Walnut Creek, CA. According to the City of Walnut Creek’s website the current population of Walnut Creek, CA is estimated at 66,111 people. That means that there is one REALTOR® for every 55 people in Walnut Creek. This number does not take into account the number of DRE licensed individuals that are not part of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®.

With so many options to choose from, how do you decide who is best? It is easy to be overwhelmed with this daunting decision or to be influenced by the slick-talking salesman who just wants your money.

Connie De Groot an agent in Southern California released a press report of the “Top Ten Things to Look for in a REALTOR®”. Inspired by her list, here are the things to focus on when choosing a real estate agent to represent you.

• Look for a full time real estate agent. A full time agent is more likely to know markets because they focus on real estate and not something else. Most people would not go to a podiatrist for brain surgery. They would go to a neurosurgeon. Why would you go to a baker/mechanic/pilot/etc. for real estate?

  For most people their home is their biggest asset. Entrusting this transaction to a part time agent can be a risk.

• Look for a full service real estate agent. Using a discount broker is fine, if you want to save money. But you must understand that you get what you pay for. A full service agent should handle the transaction so that you can get on with your life. A full service agent will schedule and attend any inspections, arrange for repair work, and coordinate the transaction freeing you from these time consuming activities.
• Find a trustworthy agent. A great agent is going to look after your bottom line first and their own second. This is why they earn their commission. They protect your interests and represent you.
  Many agents will tell you what you want to hear to get the listing or the deal, and then the truth will come out later. Find an agent that is bold enough to tell you the truth, even if you don’t like the truth. An agent that is misleading to another person, may be misleading or deceptive to you. Listen to their speech to others for clues to their honesty.
• Find an agent that is a specialist. Jeff Brown talks about the downfalls of a one-stop shop in real estate investment. The same dangers are lurking in other areas of real estate. A jack-of-all-trades is often not “excellent” at any of them.
• Look for an agent that is technologically inclined. It is important that your home be placed online and properly advertised to attract buyers. Almost 61% of home buyers walked through a home they viewed on the internet according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Many agents will buy a “website” for their listing. This does not mean that the website will be found by anyone on the internet.
• Look for an agent with a team. Finding a reputable handyman, plumber, or other contractor can be daunting. Many agents have worked with these professions before and are able to refer you to quality workers. BEWARE: ask how the agent knows the contractor and if they have used them before. The referral may be a relative or friend.

These are the important things to look for in an agent. Other characteristics like enthusiasm and drive are important, but can be misleading.

Choose someone you like and can work with. If you can’t stand an agent, find one that you can work with. You should feel comfortable talking with your agent. During your transaction you will be communicating with your real estate agent consistently and speaking with them should not be dreaded.

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