Residential Guidebook Residential Guidebook 2013 | Page 20

GETTING STARTED Before Saying “You’re Hired” Ensure your estate agent is the best W hen you decide to buy a propert y, there are certain things you need to ask an estate agent before saying, “you’re hired”. 1. How much experience do they have? How long has the estate agent been on the job, and are they full or part time? As you search for your dream property you need someone who is going to be fully committed to helping you find your perfect home. While experience is never a guarantee of skills, real estate agents who have been on the job longer may just be able to offer you more advice and guide you on the path to your first home. 2. Do they belong to the EAAB? The EAAB regulates the estate agency profession through ensuring that a l l persons carrying out the activities of an estate agent as a service to the public are registered with the EA AB, and have a Fidelity certifcate. Also the estate agent you choose should be available on weekends, as most of the open houses will be on weekends. 3. Ask for an outline on how they will represent you T his out l ine shou ld inc lude housing inspec t ions, fol low ing t h rough on you r mortgage approval process and being present very step of the way. 18 Residential Handbook 2013 www.reimag.co.za