Not sure who to choose for an agent and think you might try going it alone? I understand and after a negative (and failed) home-buying experience last year with a previous agent, I knew I didn't want an agent who would insist I sign an exclusivity agreement- and then fail to represent my interests.
So I get it. But there are only so many hours in a day, and a smart, savvy, experienced real estate professional who will represent your interests to the fullest will save you time, effort, and even money- not to mention (I'm now convinced) headaches down the road. My real estate agent Ms. Gigi Otar possesses all of those qualities, so please allow me to recommend her unconditionally and wholeheartedly!
When I put in a request to see a property this year, Gigi was the first agent to contact me, the quickest to respond when I said I was available to talk, and the most accommodating when I said when I wanted to see the property immediately. I was unexpectedly thrilled to discover that I hit the jackpot with Gigi as my agent! I explained my price range, my timeline, and my requirements. I also talked about my most difficult criterion- that intangible calculus between being farther out from downtown DC and getting more house for the buck vs. being closer in and having less of a commute. Fortunately, Gigi has been working and living in this area for a long time, and she's familiar with the housing market and the local neighborhoods. Still, I got a little worried about asking to see a series of properties, waiting for the moment Gigi would grow impatient or try to pressure me into a property that wasn't quite right. That moment never came. Instead, Gigi has been the exact and refreshing opposite- enthusiastically navigating the housing market with me and eager to see more properties until I found the one I wanted. Even though I know her schedule is packed, she has always been willing to help. The expertise and knowledge of the local market Gigi brought to my home buying transaction was invaluable. Gigi knew exactly which properties fit my criteria, and she didn't waste my time trying to show me properties that didn't. But she did make good suggestions about homes I hadn't even considered.
In fact, throughout my home buying experience, Gigi has been upbeat, positive, and knowledgeable. Gigi pointed out the pros and cons of each property, understanding and never questioning that I had certain criteria important and personal to me. Instead, she was able to knowledgeably point out to me the features that added or subtracted value in this market, discuss the purchase history and improvements made to each property, and provide an estimate of how much a house would sell for and how much competition there might be for it. More than that, when I pointed out potential concerns, she listened and was receptive, she never tried to sugar coat a potential problem with a house or sell me on it despite possible drawbacks. I came to trust and respect her professional expertise, which enabled me to assess properties and make purchase decisions much more swiftly and surely.
Being able to rely on Gigi ended up being essential to my home-buying success. I wanted to buy during the winter market, thinking I would get a lower price on a better house, and I wouldn't have as much competition. I hadn't counted on how competitive even the winter market was in this area, sparse with good homes and still flooded with ready buyers. Gigi was always quick to respond to phone calls, emails, and requests to see properties, able to accommodate my schedule despite her own busy schedule. She was never too busy to help, and that swiftness is absolutely critical in this market; you cannot make a good purchase or sale in this area if you aren't timely. Because in the end, I found three different properties I decided to make an offer on-- it took three tries before I made an offer that was accepted. I hadn't expected that, and a responsive real estate professional like Gigi made all the difference. Gigi effortlessly and tirelessly sailed over obstacles with me, unflinchingly assisting me and willing to strategize with me to ensure my offers were timely, based on true comparables, and weren't overinflated such that they exceeded the true value of the home (common in this high-priced, hot market)! In the end, I got a home I loved at a price point I am confident is fair and a great investment. And once I made an offer that was accepted, Gigi's work didn't end. The first thing she did was provide me with a detailed roadmap of the next steps, explaining what I would need to do to close successfully. So I didn't have to worry that my contract would fall through at the finish line -- I could be confident in the entire transaction. If you're lucky enough to have Gigi as an agent, you're going to get that same expert, professional assistance that will make your home buying or selling experience smooth, seamless, and successful!! read more