“A [real estate agent] is not a salesperson. They’re a matchmaker. They introduce people to homes until they fall in love with one. Then they are a wedding planner!”
—Unknown
Purchasing a new home can be overwhelming, and that’s why having a comrade-in-arms can be so valuable: a close ally to steer you toward homes you’ll love more than life itself, help you spot the ones that are priced right and those that are not, help you team up with a lender who can help you with pre-qualification, pre-approval, and finding the best possible mortgage, and help you through this emotionally and financially taxing home-purchase process. That’s where a good real estate agent with experience in this local market can make a world of difference.
Not sure you want or need a real estate agent? Most people who are knowledgeable in this area would advise that you really, really shouldn’t try and buy or sell a home without a Realtor. Buying a home is likely to be the biggest financial decision of your entire life, and a good real estate agent can help you do it right. Here’s why.
Steve Wilson and the KLR team of real estate agents have tons of experience
Want to check the MLS for a 4B/2B with an EIK and a W/D? Real estate has its own language, full of acronyms and semi-arcane jargon, and your real estate agent is trained to speak that language fluently.
Plus, buying or selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. Our agents have the expertise to help you prepare a killer deal—while avoiding delays or costly mistakes that can seriously mess you up.
We have turbocharged searching power
The internet is awesome. You can find almost anything—anything! And with online real estate listing sites, you can find up-to-date home listings on your own, any time you want. But guess what? Our agents have access to even more listings. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A Steve Wilson and the KLR team can help you find those hidden gems. We have more homes available than what we list on SteveTheAgent.com.
Plus, our team is in the neighborhoods daily and is probably going to know the search area very well to help you navigate what might fit your wants. Have your eye on a particular neighborhood, but it’s just out of your price range? Our real estate agents are equipped to know the ins and outs of many neighborhoods and can direct you toward a home in your price range that you may have overlooked.
We are expert real estate negotiators
Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations
—and as today’s housing market heats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated.
You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?
And it’s not just about how much money you end up spending or netting. A great experienced real estate agent will help draw up a purchase agreement that allows enough time for inspections, contingencies, and anything else that’s crucial to your particular needs. This is our forte, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results to our clients.
We are connected to everyone
Steve and his team might not know everything, but they make it their mission to know just about everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, interior designers, the list goes on—and they’re all in your agent’s network. Don’t overlook this valuable resource when you need to find these professionals. We have worked with numerous professionals and developed a short list of trusted professionals to help you. We pride ourselves on our partners also delivering a 5* experience throughout your home buying process. However, no matter who recommends a particular professional, remember to shop for the ones that offer you the best services and fit and are looking out for your interests.
This is the most critical financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life, and guiding you through it isn’t a responsibility our real estate agents take lightly.
You found a real estate agent who’s got your back!
A REALTOR® is either an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Realtors promise to adhere to a detailed code of ethics to treat their clients honestly and fairly. Consider it added insurance that they’re committed to your cause. All Steve Wilson and KLR Real Estate agents are not only Real Estate agents but licensed Realtors and are held to a higher standard.
Don’t settle for good enough
Trust us, there can be a huge difference between an agent who’s “good enough” and one who’s stellar—the difference between finding your dream home or not, and saving or wasting tens of thousands of dollars.
Questions to ask a real estate agent
Feel free to ask many questions. This is no time to be shy! Here are some to hit:
“How long have you been in real estate?”
While agents don’t have to have worked for decades to be great at their job, at least one or two years of experience under their belt can make a difference. This is particularly true if you’re a buyer facing a challenging housing market or happen to have financial credentials that are less than ideal.
Steve Wilson of KLR Real Estate and his team have been in business for over 17 years and counting. We have over 165 million and counting in deals and have secured homes for over 1000+ families. Let us show you how our experience matters as we focus on you and your needs. You will be treated like our only client.
“How long have you lived in this area?”
One noteworthy exception to the previous question is if the agent has lived in the area for a long time. “A newly licensed agent shouldn’t be automatically removed from consideration,” says Mindy Jensen, a real estate agent with Equity Colorado Real Estate. “If they’ve lived in the area their entire life, they likely know more about it than an agent who has been in the business for years but only recently moved to the region.” Weigh overall experience against local experience in making your decision.
Steve Wilson and the KLR Team have been in that area our entire lives. Further, we have been buying and selling real estate for over 20 years in the area. We have seen numerous market shifts from buyers’ and sellers’ markets to the crash of 2008 and several market corrections.
“Do you have a team, or do you work alone?”
Many stand-alone agents are excellent—but don’t ignore the value of a team. “Working with a team is important,” says Angelo Puma, a real estate agent in Keller, TX. “It increases response time and availability. Often, solo-run agents are double-booked when you need their attention, and you may lose that perfect property.”
Steve and his team ensure you are the focus and your needs are always met. We work on your schedule.
“What is your schedule?”
If they’re not a full-time agent, you need to know when they’ll be available. “If the only time you can see homes is in direct conflict with times they have to be working their other job, you could miss out on a lot of properties,” says Jensen.
We have a team of full-time agents ready to serve your needs. You are the driver based on your schedule.
“Do you have any vacations planned?”
If they’re heading out of the city anytime soon, make sure they have a backup in case you find the perfect home while they’re out of the country. “Murphy’s Law rules real estate agent vacations,” says Jensen.
We are fully staffed so an absence of one does not disrupt or stop your focused attention. We have seamless transitions to keep you at the center of attention.
How are real estate agents paid?
Most real estate agent jobs are commission-only—meaning agents don’t get paid a base salary by their brokerage, but, rather, get paid a commission from home transactions that are closed by their clients, whether sellers or buyers. As a result, the amount that agents make typically depends on how successful they are at attracting clients and closing transactions.
Typically, a real estate commission is a percentage of a home’s final sales price.
As a homebuyer, you’re in luck: The seller pays the real estate commission. Here’s how it usually works: The commission is split at the settlement table between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent.
Let’s get your process started today and get you in the home of your dreams!
