Finding Someone to Help You

What if  I said "finding an agent"?   That is easy.  There are tons of agents down here.  Heck, I am an agent!

What you need to do is find someone to help you.  That is different.  There are good agents in Walton County!

In fairness, what makes a good agent for me may not make a good agent for you, but I suspect my process is pretty good.

1. Has to be calm and relaxed - because you won't be.    Know thy self!
2. Has to listen - NOT SELL....Listen.  Selling takes care of itself if they listen to your needs.  Beyond just "what is your budget?" it is more a "what is the lifestyle you want and how can you achieve it within financial reason?"  At many price points there is the lifestyle you can enjoy.
3. Has to be part of a good solid brokerage organization.  A good organization has tools to help you become informed.
4. Then you have to have a basic connection because it will be a long term relationship.

So the questions you don't know to ask should be questions they have already answered.  You would be surprised how many agents don't bring a portfolio of comparable properties for you to examine when you are looking at properties.   You would be stunned how many do not even talk about flood zone areas and what that may mean to your insurance rates.   How many do you think know what a flat roof does to homeowners insurance rates in Florida?  I can go on and on, but these are things you should know.  Emotional buying is really very easy, and it will get you into the most trouble too!  Why not get what you want and know what you are getting?

Now in fairness to all the agents, you have to be a good customer before you go to the agents if you want your best chance at finding a real good relationship.

This site will help you become better. 
If you plan on spending a few years just looking, then go to open houses.

1. Do you know what you want?
2. Can you do some legwork too?
3. Are you ready to make some kind of move?
4. Do you have any idea about how land values and housing prices vary by area along 30-A?
5. Do you know the difference between low balling vs. making fair and appropriate offers?

So this is a simple framework.  You be ready to do your part.  Finding an agent then will take care of itself if you look for integrity.  Integrity....hard to define, but you will know it when you see it!