Virginia Mortgage News and Views

Happy New Year!

My topic today is in regards to selecting the "right" Richmond, Va. real estate agent. How do you go about choosing the right one?

I am a true veteran in the business of real estate. Please notice I said the "business" of Richmond real estate. After all, it truly is a professional business. The problem of late is that most agents in this city do not conduct themselves in a business like manner. They have fallen behind in keeping up with current marketing trends and general knowledge about how to sell real estate in today's world.

What worked 5 years ago, no longer applies. Heck, what worked 5 weeks ago, no longer applies. The business of real estate changes almost daily.

The old idea of just picking up the phone and calling your local agent no longer works. As a matter of fact, that is the last thing you should do!

Should you choose one because you got a name from your aunt who used one 5 years ago... and they did a good job. NO!

Should you choose one because someone at work gave you the name of a "good agent"? NO!

You need to rely on different techniques these days. You should start by calling other professionals in related industries such as: Real Estate attorneys and mortgage loan professionals.

Why you might ask? Well here's the reason why. Most loan professionals and attorneys will NOT work with the agents who just don't have a clue how to get things done.

These professional's choose to work with the best agents! Those agents that have demonstrated a keen sense of understanding of our industry and a willingness to help...not just hang around to collect their commission check and cause problems along the way.

It is amazing to me that soon as a contract is written,  most agents now focus on their commission. Somehow, they forget about their clients totally, and what is in their clients best interest. Commission is of the essence as soon as the ink is dry on the contract.

As all of you know, the way real estate is bought and sold these has changed... a great deal. The way you choose an agent has also changed. It simply is not what it use to be.

If you would like a list of very professional agents to work with, simply pick up the phone and call me at 804-897-1000. I will be more than happy to provide you the list....free of charge and no obligations. You will be glad you did....I promise you that.

Jamie Lee Chafin, www.villagebankmortgage.net , Village Bank Mortgage, Richmond, Va.

Founder of The Home Buyer University of Richmond.