If you've made the decision to buy a home or sell yours, the next step is hiring a Roanoke-area Realtor to represent you. After all, this is possibly the largest single transaction you'll make in your life. You need expert, professional guidance to ensure a smooth closing. 

But with hundreds of Realtors in the Roanoke Valley, how do you choose? 

Well, if you're selling, head on over to my blog post that outlines 4 questions to ask a listing agent. That'll get you started. But whether you're buying or selling there are a few cardinal no-nos you should avoid to have the very best experience. 

Hiring a friend or relative

More than one real estate transaction has fallen apart when a buyer or seller hired a friend or relative to represent them. It's not that your friend or relative is a bad agent, but you shouldn't assume they're right for the job just because of your connection. 

Ask yourself some questions: Will the agent represent your best interests at all times? Is she knowledgeable about the particulars of the Roanoke Valley real estate market? Will she tell you the truth, even if it's not what you want to hear, in order to get you the best deal? If there is a problem with the transaction, will your friendship survive the complication? If you still have doubts, you're better off looking someplace else. 

Choosing an agent because they don't fight you on your list price

When it's time to price your home, a listing agent should make a decision based on data from a comparative market analysis and knowledge of the Roanoke Valley market. One of the No. 1 areas where Realtors fail is taking overpriced listings and being convinced the properties will sell, even if the market isn't there to support the too-high prices. 

By the same token, if you're buying a house, a smart agent knows that a real low-ball offer is likely just going to insult the seller and possibly take you out of the running for the home. An experienced agent will help you determine a purchase price that makes sense and encourage you to stay within the bounds of what's fair. 

Not working with a full-time Realtor

When you're interviewing agents, ask if real estate is their full-time job. Find out how long they've been in the field and how many transactions they conducted last year. Inquire about the number of active clients they're working with now. The Roanoke real estate market shifts daily, and with few exceptions, part-time agents can't always keep up. Hire a Realtor who considers the job to be full time plus some. You want someone who will be available to answer questions or who will take your call when you think you've found a house. An agent who takes days to get back to because they're working another job could cost you a transaction. 

Not checking references

Many of my clients come from referrals, but if they don't, I'm happy to give references. If you're coming to the Realtor cold, ask to be put in touch with someone who's completed a recent transaction. Ask about their experience — how accessible the agent was and whether the reference felt good about the final deal. 

Not looking at the agent's other listings or asking about other transactions

You want to work with an agent who is an expert in the area of the Roanoke Valley where you want to live and who has experience at the price point where you're buying or selling. A good way to find out if an agent fits the bill is to look at his other listings or just ask. Most agents work with all manner of clients to buy and sell a wide variety of properties. What you don't want is someone who's not at all familiar with the area where you're buying or deals almost exclusively with other kinds of properties. 

When it comes to your home — whether you're buying or selling — you need to be comfortable with your agent and have confidence that your best interests are his or her top priority throughout the transaction. 

I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the home-buying or selling process and tell you about my experience. Contact me anytime at 540-353-0123 or sonya@sonyadickinson.com.