In one of the largest, most complicated financial transactions of your life,
what exactly does a good real estate agent do when you're buying a home?
A good buyer’s agent…
Cares more about your priorities and goals than their commission. (The smartest agents know that if you take care of the client, the commission takes care of itself.)
Only works with a limited number of priority clients at any given time in order to have the time, attention and energy to give them the service they need.
Knows the market in your geographic area and property type inside out—its values, market trends, neighborhoods, pros and cons, legal issues, its agents.
Proactively looks for on-market, off-market and back-on-market opportunities to expand your number of purchase options – and, ideally, find you a great deal.
Provides you with superior market analytics, because good data helps you make better decisions.
Negotiates effectively and, at your instruction, aggressively to achieve the best possible price and terms. A skillful negotiator committed to your interests can easily make a 3%-5% difference in the sales price, and sometimes much more.
Never makes decisions for you nor pushes you to make decisions a certain way, but lays out all the information, options and strategies for your consideration.
Works on your timeline: As long as you’re serious about buying a home, a good agent will work with you for as long as it takes to find the right one.
Ensures you understand what’s happening, what’s necessary and what’s at stake at every step.
Tells you the truth as best as can be discerned—positives, negatives, upsides, downsides—even what you might not want to hear or might change your mind about proceeding with a transaction.
Offers an array of qualified professional resources—inspectors, lawyers, escrow and loan agents, etc.—and advises you when their counsel is required.
Once your offer is accepted, guides you through the discovery and due diligence phase of the transaction to ensure you know as much as possible before deciding to complete the purchase.
Coordinates, manages and controls—based upon your decisions—every aspect of the process. Always with an eye to protecting your interests.
Gives you the time and attention you need. Responds promptly to your requests and communications.
Keeps his or her promises.
Works hard. Works to minimize your effort and stress. Works to make or save you more money than they cost.
Ideally, loves the business of real estate—because it’s simply much more enjoyable to work with someone who loves what they do.
These are the standards we try to live up to at Paragon.
Because the quality of the agent working on your behalf—his or her competence, integrity,
work ethic and commitment to your interests—can make an enormous difference
in the outcome of your home purchase or sale: in money, stress, time and future happiness.
The simple truth is that, just as with lawyers, doctors, contractors and the other important professionals you use when needed, some real estate agents are much better than others—and that shows up in the results.
Other reports or articles you might find interesting:
San Francisco Home Price Tables by Bedroom Count
Where Best to Look in San Francisco for Homes in Your Price Range
San Francisco Neighborhood Prices & Trends
Our Latest San Francisco Market Conditions Report
San Francisco & Bay Area Home Price Maps
Tips for San Francisco Homebuyers
Tips for San Francisco Home Sellers