Finding A Real Estate Agent

• Your real estate agent can literally make or break the deal for you.
  
   
• A good agent has the best chance of helping you write a successful offer and guiding you through a smooth transaction.
  
  
• A bad agent will just add to your stress level and cause you to miss opportunities.
  
    

What makes a good agent?  A good agent offers the following:

• Impeccable reputation in the local real estate community who works for an excellent firm. Full-time agents are much more effective than part-time or "second job" agents.
  
  
• Values your time and doesn't send you to see properties that clearly won't work for you.
  
  
• Is an active listener.
  
  

• Won't let you pay too much for a property who has a long-term focus.
  

• Is comfortable discussing both the pros and cons of a particular property or neighborhood. 
  
  

Experience Level

There are two schools of thought regarding an agent's level of experience. Generally, the more experienced the better, and it's not hard to find an agent with over ten years of experience who is well-established and well-connected.

A seasoned agent knows all the tricks of the trade -- in San Francisco, there are many -- and has a stronger chance of putting together a successful offer for you.  On the other hand, a new agent might have more time to spend with you and be keen to impress you so that you will refer clients and help build up a clientele. 

Once you find a person with whom you feel comfortable, and whose references check out, you're ready to start looking at properties.

If you need a referral, I'll be happy to point you to a good agent who I know has a proven track record and who works in the neighborhoods you're interested in.