The best way to choose a real estate agent isn’t by clicking a button online
By Mimi Vanderhaven
When it comes to the internet, you just never know what’s lurking behind any given button you click on.
Case in point are the buttons potential homebuyers see pop up when they are shopping online for homes on the market. They are found innocently enough on all the major real estate sites—you know which ones we mean—and say things like, “schedule a showing” or “contact an agent for more information.”
According to local experts Mark and Denise Zervos, who own The Neighborhood Experts at Platinum Real Estate, the buttons actually lead to a third-party concierge team that reroutes them to an agent who may be green like the grinch.
“Someone out there has paid for those buttons to lead to them,” says Denise. “You’ll not necessarily be connected to the listing agent or an agent who is familiar with the home or even the market. This deception really bothers me. It’s treating people like a commodity. And the agent you get might not be skilled at all.”
What she does suggest buyers do is find an agent to represent them through the process.
“I recommend people find reputable agents in their area, pick the top three and sit down with them to ask them questions to see if they are a good fit,” she says. “Ask him or her what they think about our local market and how that will affect the home you are looking for. How long have they been in the business and how many homes have they sold?”
She says people fall into the Amazon mode of clicking a button and something magically appears at their doorstep the next day. But do you want to do that when embarking on the largest financial investment you’ll ever make?
“Especially in this hot seller’s market, buyers need someone who can strategize with them, and, even more importantly, negotiate on their behalf,” she adds.
Platinum Real Estate has offices in Northeast Ohio, Columbus and Florida. The Platinum Center headquarters is located at 7200 Center Street in Mentor. To get more information, call 216-990-2100 or 440-974-SALE and visit YourNeighborhoodExpert.com.