Buying a home whether the first time or nth time is no small feat. Buying a house remains to be one of the biggest financial decisions an adult can make. When ready to buy around Jackson Hole, it is essential to find the best Jackson Hole real estate agent with much experience to guide individuals through the process.
Sure, there is no shortage of just any real estate agents eyeing the job through online advertisements, various newspaper listings, and yard signs. With so many professionals to choose from, finding the right Jackson Hole real estate agent can feel exhausting. Individuals or families looking to buy should keep in mind the tips below on how to find a Jackson Hole real estate agent to ensure hiring the seamless pro for the purchase. Let’s start!
Step-by-step Guide to Finding the Right Jackson Hole Real Estate Agent
To find the perfect professional Jackson Hole real estate agent for a property purchase, follow the steps below:
Have a preapproved mortgage for Jackson Hole real estate purchase
Often, home shoppers get the help of Jackson Hole real estate agents and go into home searching before talking to mortgage lenders. But it can be smarter to talk to mortgage lenders first to know how much can be afforded.
Talking to mortgage lenders and getting preapproved loans informs the home shopper of the maximum amount that they can borrow. Doing this also identifies certain issues that need working on at the beginning of the real estate purchase process. Having accomplished this allows home shoppers to stick to properties in the appropriate range for them. Also, this will show potential Jackson Hole real estate agents and property sellers as well that a home shopper is a serious buyer. A preapproved loan mortgage document may make the seller consider the present offer in today’s competitive market.
Obtain referrals for a Jackson Hole real estate agent from family and friends
Individuals looking to buy a property should ask people in their network for any recommendation for a Jackson Hole real estate agent with whom they have had a good experience. Strictly speaking, home shoppers would want someone with experience working with clients in similar situations. A good Jackson Hole real estate agent should know the difference between the needs of first-time buyers and that of repeat home shoppers or homeowners (probably looking to downsize).
Home shoppers should look for Jackson Hole real estate agents who are Realtors. If it is with a capital R, this means that they are members of the NAR or National Association of Realtors. And they have purportedly agreed to abide by the code of ethics of the association. Some Jackson Hole real estate agents or Realtors have certifications to show that they have completed some form of training in a certain line of real estate as well. Some of Jackson Hole real estate agent designations can include:
- Certified Residential Specialist or CRS – these Jackson Hole real estate agents have completed additional training in residential real estate handling
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative or ABR – these Jackson Hole real estate agents completed additional training in transactions as buyer representatives
- Senior Real Estate Specialist or SRES – these Jackson Hole real estate agents have completed training directed to help buyers and sellers alike aged 50 and older
Seller’s Agent vs. Buyer’s Jackson Hole Real Estate Agents
Home shoppers should also verse themselves with the difference between a seller’s agent and a buyer’s Jackson Hole real estate agent. A buyer’s Jackson Hole real estate agent represents the homebuyer in a real property transaction. Meanwhile, a listing agent or a seller’s agent is responsible for the seller’s case which includes the price management and marketing of the property as well as negotiating the terms of sale.
There can be times that a Jackson Hole real estate agent acts as the agent for both parties – known as a dual agency. Remember that this kind of agency has its inherent risks.
Some agents also act as referring agents where they provide leads to other Jackson Hole real estate agents for a fee.
Study potential Jackson Hole real estate agent candidates
Home shoppers can start researching by examining a Jackson Hole real estate agent’s online presence. They can check the website of the agent as well as their social media accounts. Looking at their online reviews can be beneficial as well. One or two negative comments or reviews are fine, but more of that should be taken as a red flag.
Also, make sure to check with real estate regulators to find out whether a Jackson Hole real estate agent considered is licensed or has any disciplinary records.
Meet up with at least 3 Jackson Hole real estate agents
Meeting up with a Jackson Hole real estate agent is a great opportunity to get a sense of their style and experience. At the end of the day, home shoppers will be looking into one who is familiar with the present scenario and understand where they are coming from in terms of budget and needs.
Questions to ask the Jackson Hole real estate agents can include how long they have been practicing as real estate agents, how many clients they have currently, and how long home buyers typically close a deal. This is also the opportunity to ask the Jackson Hole real estate agent the typical price range and neighborhoods of properties they commonly help their clients find. Do not forget to ask how they help their client buyers stay competitive in the market and what their pertinent fees are.
Ask for character references from the Jackson Hole real estate agent and follow-through
Homebuyers should ask the Jackson Hole real estate agent for information on homes they have listed and sold over the past year. Ask them to include the contact information of a few recent clients. Make sure to call these past clients to find out more about their experience and what kind of support the Jackson Hole real estate agent has provided for them throughout the process. Firmly ask if they would hire the Jackson Hole real estate agent again for another transaction.
Take a closer look at the contract provided by the Jackson Hole real estate agent
Once a Jackson Hole real estate agent has been selected, homebuyers should make sure to spell out all the terms that they have agreed on, especially the real estate commission. Conventionally, the real estate seller pays 6% of the home sale price for real estate commissions – half goes to the buyer’s agent and half goes to their agent. The real estate commission is often negotiable.
Aim for contracts that span for only six months or less. In today’s competitive seller’s market, it only takes about 20 days or less to sell a home. If home buyers have not found the home perfect for them within a few months, it might be more beneficial to keep their options open.
