The Importance of a Real Estate Agent with Networking Skills

Years before the internet home buyers and sellers needed to contact a real estate agent if they wanted property information. The agent was the connection and knew how to find a buyer for a home and a home for a buyer. You met them at their real estate office, café or local luncheonette. This was the way you got the skinny on the latest homes for sale or new buyers in the market.

Obviously things have changed. Now most home buyers (around 90%) shop for their next home online. Many home sellers can get a pretty good idea of what their home may be worth by studying information provided by web sites like Zillow.com, Trulia.com and Realtor.com, which means you still need a real estate agent, but one that is now connected in one way or another.

So, do home buyers and sellers even need a real estate agent anymore? Thankfully, the answer is “More Than Ever”!

Sellers want to work with an agent that can get them a buyer for their home. But there is more to the request. They also want a qualified buyer who is reasonable about the conditions of the sale, offers them a fair price and is easy to work with.

Buyers want to work with an agent who can find them a house. And yes, there is more here too. The home buyers desire guidance relating to home inspections, mortgage financing, Etc… They also want a home at a fair price, minimal risk of principal during the transaction (a way out if things do not go as planned), and yes, a reasonable home seller.

Find the Right Real Estate Agent 

In the pre-internet days, the connection was based on knowledge as it related to home and buyer availability. Now it is related to the real estate agent who is connected to the public, a professional network and a crack staff.

A Professional Network

Look for someone with professional network connections. Real estate agents that are professionally connected can refer professionals in the fields of finance, title & home inspection. You may also want someone who is connected to Handy people, cleaning services, moving companies, Etc… It is handy to have a list of professionals your agent can recommend.

An Efficient Staff

Many times a customer will hire an agent without considering their support staff. You not only want to be connected to your real estate agent but to the staff as well.