It’s essential that you choose an experienced agent who is on your team. The most important attributes of an agent are that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry and is qualified to represent your best interests. He/she should know the current market and provide you with information on current listings and past sales.

Your agent should actively search for your new home, keeping you informed of the entire process, answering questions with competence and in a timely fashion and when the time arrives, negotiate assertively on your behalf.

Your agent should also make sure that you and your offer will be presented in the best possible light. This means making sure that you are properly pre-approved, and are knowledgeable about homes and prices in the area where you are doing your search. Your agent should be able to recommend qualified adjunct professionals such as inspectors, lenders, insurance agents, attorneys, etc.

Your agent should represent YOU, and not the seller. This is beneficial during the negotiation process. If you are working with a Buyer’s Agent, he or she is required to maintain confidentiality and not share information with the seller regarding your motivation. Also, your agent should focus on getting you the lowest net price for your new home.

When you use a Buyer’s Agent, you will typically see more properties. Not only is he plugged in to the Multiple Listing Service, he will actively search for homes that are listed as FSBO (For Sale By Owner), or homes that sellers are thinking about listing.

Select an agent who is knowledgeable about local market conditions, prices and what’s hot or not in your community. There is no substitute for experience. Your agent should be able to provide for you, a list of satisfied clients. Education is also important. The agent should hold professional designations documenting his/her continuing quest for additional knowledge.Finally, you will want an agent who is honest, assertive, and one who best understands your needs and works hard to meet those needs.

Questions to ask your next Realtor
…and my candid answers

How long have you lived in Grosse Pointe?
Gary: Since 1981

How long have you been in the real estate business?
Gary: Since 1992

Do you have any professional designations?
Gary: I hold the GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute), e-PRO ( Internet Professionals, National Association of Realtors® program) designations and was the first Realtor® in Grosse Pointe to complete the certification for ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation.

Are you active in the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors
Gary: I have chaired the Government Affairs committee for the past seven years. I currently serve on the Finance and Nominating committees.

Do you primarily work with buyers or with sellers?
Gary: I provide professional representation to both buyers and sellers

Are you a full-time Realtor?
Gary: Absolutely, Real Estate is not a “job” – it is a way of life and to do it properly you cannot do it part-time – you must be available when you are needed.

Do you have an internet presence to promote your listings?
Gary: Yes – on many different sites including Realtor.com, Re/Max.com,

Do you offer home warranties?
Gary: Yes – I provide, at my expense, home warranties for both buyer and seller clients.

What do your clients say about you?
Gary: Take a look for yourself: Testimonials

What real estate-related organizations do you belong :
Gary: The Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors®, ( Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, member of the Finance and Nominating Committees) the Michigan Association of Realtors® (past member of Public Policy and RPAC Committees), National Association of Realtors®

Also, find out the answers to the following specific questions:

How often can I expect to hear from you?

Have you sold properties like mine?

How quickly can I expect you to return phone calls?

How will you market my property?

Will you give me honest feedback?