5 Signs Your Real Estate Agent Is Working For You

Packing everything up and moving isn't always a walk in the park (especially with THREE cats). But after I sold a condo this spring, I developed a new appreciation for how much having the right real estate agent by your side can save you during all the major life decisions that come with buying or selling property.

Think about it this way: Who do you want to tell you that someone else got the house you loved? Who do you see yourself calling in a panic if the radon test comes back positive a week before you're supposed to close? You want someone who can calmly explain your options, who has taken the time to get to know you and who has the experience to expertly navigate the problem with you.

Of course, that person probably isn't just going to land on your door step. So, with a little help from ReMax agent Scott Lavelle and his team, I compiled a list of signs that your real estate agent is really working for YOU.

1) Your real estate agent has real world experience. When it comes down to it, much of navigating the real estate market is about people and relationships. (One of my favorite things about Scott is his family history: His father and aunt started their family real estate business in his grandmother's living room more than 40 years ago. He remembers listening to them on the phone with clients as a kid.)

2) Your real estate agent has excellent customer service. He calls back in a timely manner. She can read whether you understand her explanation or need more details. You really feel like you are heard, especially during the important conversations.

3) Your real estate agent is smart about using the latest technology for marketing. Bankrate.com suggests looking at a real estate agent's recent listings before hiring him or her. I love this, because you can get a good sense for how the whole team approaches things, as well as what you might be up against. If all the other homes in your price range have aerial photography and full-motion video, you probably want to work with a real estate agent that offers that, too.

4) Your real estate agent can anticipate your needs. It should be obvious in your first meeting if your agent is adept in this area.

5) Your real estate agent can provide solutions. Part of what you're hiring when you choose a real estate agent is their network—their mortgage referral, their electrician who will deliver in a pinch, their lawn guy who will spruce things up when you're too busy with other tasks.

As I've gotten to know Scott, I can tell he and his team are committed to each of these concepts. They just shine through in the main video on his website:

And he has more than a few testimonials like this:

If you're in the market, I encourage you to peruse the listings on his site, take a look at his resources for buyers and sellers, and call him at (203) 994-1753 to set up an appointment to talk things over.