Let me ask you this…If you were interested in learning to play golf, would you ask the local tennis pro to give you lessons just because friends told you he’s a great golfer. Of course not, just because he can play golf well and is a professional coach does not mean he’s the right professional for your needs. Why then, would you select an agent who is not an expert in the local area to market your home?
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked into an open house, to preview the property, and found that the agent sitting there knows absolutely nothing about Lake Linganore. And what’s worse, they feed me misinformation such as – There is only one beach, one pool, you automatically become a member of the golf course by paying your HOA fees, there are water problems in Linganore, power boats are allowed… the list goes on and on!
Just because an agent did a fabulous job selling your friend’s home in Bethesda, Baltimore or Hagerstown does not necessarily mean they know the ins and outs of our very specific market. All agents take the same exam and we all learn the same fundamentals about real estate but that does not mean we all know every market!
Here are 5 quick reasons why using a local Agent has many advantages for you:-
1. Superior Market Knowledge – local agents frequently tour the properties in the neighborhood and understand the inventory. They recognize the advantages of each area and appreciate the differences in every sub-division.
2. Relationships with other local agents – Working closely with other agents in the area can be a great advantage to both buyers and sellers. Your agent will often learn a great deal of additional information about what is happening in the current market by networking locally; information which is often not included in the MLS listing and which many outside agents may not know.
3. Understanding the local by-laws – There is much about the community’s inner workings that is very important in brokering a successful deal. From re-sale packages to building restrictions or benefit assessments, this is information that local agents know by heart but others are not familiar with. Many deals falter due to small details which have been overlooked through lack of knowledge.
4. Local Pricing – Knowing which sub-divisions can be used as comparisons when pricing Linganore properties is a skill acquired by knowing the intricacies of the area. Frequently, agents and appraisers alike ask me for assistance on which properties form accurate comps and they freely admit that our diverse sub-divisions are very challenging.
5. Enthusiasm for the area – The local agents have nominated to make Linganore their home, bring up their families here and make their friends from within the community. They clearly love the area and who better to market your home for you, or find you a new home, than someone who has a genuine enthusiasm for the unique lifestyle that Lake Linganore has to offer.
Local agents have made this community their home and renowned motivational speaker Zig Ziglar says – People who have good relationships at home are more effective in the marketplace.
Pick from the locally grown talent – it’s the way to go!
