Springfield, MO

This is the second installment in a series to guide you through buying a home in the Springfield, MO, area. I'm including a link to the first installment, Buying a Home in the Springfield MO Area - Part 1 - Getting PreApproved for a Loan.

In this post, we'll focus on selecting a Realtor. I have been a Realtor helping families buy and sell homes in the Springfield, MO, area for 10 years now. For the most part, Realtors in our area are very knowledgeable, hard-working, and ethical. Like any profession, there are bad ones, but I personally feel that the majority of Realtors in our area are honest, hardworking agents who work well with each other, regardless of their company affiliation.

Here are some tips for choosing the right Realtor for you:

Is the Realtor full-time or part-time? This is one of the most important criteria to look for. There is a world of difference in full-time and part-time agents. A full-time agent is someone who has dedicated themselves to being a Realtor. They have made a serious commitment to their profession and are motivated to succeed. Full-time Realtors have made a 100% investment in their own abilities and business. Why should you invest in a Realtor that is not willing to invest in themselves? They are dependent upon the real estate market to make their living, and know that devoting themselves 100% to their clients is the road to success. A full-time agent will be there for you when YOU need THEM.

What company is the Realtor affiliated with? No two real estate companies are the same. Look for an agent with a strong company behind them dedicated to providing their agents with the tools, technology and TRAINING they need to succeed. Are the majority of the company's agents part-time agents? Real estate companies offer different packages to their agents. Some companies work under a business model where the more the agent sells, the less the company takes from their commissions. These companies actually make more money from agents who sell little, yet pay a higher commission split to the company for the few transactions they do close. Other companies work off of a flat fee arrangement. The agent is paying to be with the company regardless of whether or not they sell anything. An agent must be able to produce in order to justify the cost involved to be with the company. Just because a company is larger, doesn't make them better.

How long has the Realtor been in the business? Personally, I don't think this criteria should be given as much weight as everyone tends to believe. I can honestly say that I worked as hard for my first client as I have with my current clients. A Realtor's work ethic is a personality trait within and does not have much bearing on how many years they've been in the business. There is an agent in my office who has only been licensed for one year, but is one of the hardest working agents I have ever met. I know other agents who have been licensed for 30 years that won't return a phone call or email. Look for how prompt the agent is with YOU, and how willing the agent is to accommodate your schedule, and how willing they are to do extra footwork and research on your behalf.

Does your Realtor know the market and the area? A Realtor who is familiar with the area that you're searching in is a must. While many buyers prefer to use a friend or family member, if that friend or family member is not familiar with the market in that particular area, they will not be as helpful to you in determining fair market value, or the resale potential of the home you purchase. Your Realtor is your "guide", and you want to be sure to hire a "guide" that knows the path they are leading you down.

Does your Realtor "get it"? Does your Realtor actually LISTEN to you? Do you feel like your agent has a clear picture of what your needs and wants in a home are? Has your Realtor taken the time to get to know YOU? Getting to know my clients and asking questions about their family, lifestyle, wants, needs, and specific preferences help me to focus on finding the perfect home for them. Working with a Realtor that is working FOR you will take a lot of stress and pressure off of your shoulders and enable you to enjoy the journey to your new home so much more.

Be sure to check back for the next installment - Choosing the Right Area/Community For You.

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Click Here to Search for Homes For Sale in the Springfield MO Area

The Greater Springfield Board of Realtors has lost over 1,000 members in the past three years. When I became a member in the year 2000, there were just over 1,800 members of the Board of Realtors. At the height of the market in 2005, the membership topped 3,000.

The Springfield Realtor Magazine came out online today and I noticed we now have 2,006 members. Because revenue from membership dues has decreased, the Board of Realtors was forced to downsize in staff and increase dues in order to maintain a balanced budget.

Our yearly dues are expected in January. As with the past couple of years, I expect to see another major fallout in membership by February and March of 2010. I think it's highly possible our membership will be down to the level of the year 2000.

I have asked our Membership Coordinator to provide me with stats of the membership from 2000 to present. I will share the numbers with you when I receive them.

As for me...I'm a Realtor. I am passionate about real estate. Take away my homes, my vehicle, and every material possession I have, and I'm still a Realtor. No matter how bad this market gets, or how long it lasts, as long as I have my license and my office, I will always have the ability to get back on my feet. So far God has blessed me with all of it.