Working With A Realtor

Buying: Working With A Realtor

There are thousands of real estate agents in your area. Some may be part time; others may be inactive or have been inactive for some time, and thereby not be as familiar with market trends and how they might impact your purchase. Some may be affiliated with agencies offering little inventory from which to choose a home. The first rule of choosing an agent is to use a professional that is an expert on the neighborhood in which you are buying or selling. What makes a real estate agent an expert (not all of them are ) is their knowledge of current and past trends on the sale and purchase of all different types of homes (condos, townhouses, single family) in a given community, in addition to knowing all the local facts relevant to your home sale or home selection.

Good agents also have knowledge of the home market in the community. The key to an expert agent being able to service you well is their communication skills. Agents should do a lot of listening and ask a few key questions.

An effective agent needs to understand your current financial situation, your needs for purchasing a home or your needs for selling a home.

It is important to remember that good communication is a two-way street. You need to be open and honest with an agent to save both of you time and effort. You will be surprised at how innovative an agent can be in helping you find solutions to your problems.

A key criteria for an expert agent is his/her ability to use technology to help you with your home sale or home search.

The final criteria of having an expert work for you is integrity. How honest is an agent in dealing with you?

Choosing the right Realtor before purchasing a home

Is your agent ranked among the top ten local agents?
Has your agent been practicing real estate for at least 10 years?
Does the agent have a user friendly website – one that provides you with instant access to search for homes for sale?
Does your agent’s website allow you to search homes that are listed on the local MLS, not just the agent’s listings?
What is the agent’s total career sales volume?
Can your agent provide you with past client testimonials of very satisfied buyers?
Does your agent have a stellar reputation not only for finding his/her buyers the right home, but for honesty and integrity in the industry?
Does your agent have a team or staff that can follow up with your transaction when your agent might be showing other houses?
Is your agent a quality negotiator with a good tract record?
Does your agent have access to other agency’s exclusive listings so that you can have access to all the available homes for sale in your marketplace?

Testimonials

As an attorney representing executors and families in the settlement of estates... I am pleased to recommend Carolann Clynes with the highest praise. Her judgement and experience in advising executors as to the marketing of real property held in an estate and in formulating and implementing strategies is invaluable.

Joseph E. Imbriaco, Esq.

With more than 30 years of sales experience in real estate, I was confident that my real estate transaction would go smoothly when I decided to choose Carolann Clynes as my realtor. As a long-time resident of Summit, New Jersey, she has in-depth knowledge of the town and the lifestyle it has to offer........ Read More

glewis7795 , New Jersey

We felt Carolann was the consummate professional. She patiently explained the process in terms we could understand. At each decision level she explained our choices and what benefits or failings each choice would bring. Her community contacts helped us fix & prepare our home for sale in record time.
... Read More

Thomas and Karen Devine

We want to heartily thank you for your assistance and help through this transaction. As you know, I was quite skeptical at the beginning because of the overall market conditions. I have to give full credit to you for making this possible.

Sandro LaRosa 125 Blackburn Road , Summit , New Jersey

Carolann managed to find a great buyer with great speed for an older house with less promising prospects. She had a team of great people to assist me with the clean-out of furniture and portable property. The sale went seamlessly. I highly recommend this realtor.

metalmaker0 , Summit , New Jersey

The Quintessential Full-Service Real Estate Agent
I have worked with Carolann Clynes on both the buy and sale side for a few residential properties. Carolann provides 5-star service on every aspect of your real estate transaction -- from the initial discussion of the property to when the property changes hands … and beyond if needed, as well. ... Read More

rachelrodino , Morristown , New Jersey

We worked with Carolann for an extended period of time due to market conditions. In this overall challenging environment, we were very fortunate to have such a professional on our side when we were selling and also when we were buying. Carolann guided us through every step of the way with her experience and elegance. ... Read More

Louisa Li

In the constellation overlooking my father's world, you have been one of the brightest stars; thank you for your help and friendship. I could not have made it without you.

Rich Little

Selling in this market is a real challenge. Carolann is a go-getter that goes above and beyond to ensure her clients get the best deal. We had a particularly challenging transaction and if it had not been for Carolann, it never would have happened. I have seen her in action for many years on many deals. She is an A+.

Michael & Joanne Vernotico

Thank you for your friendship, support and encouragement over the many long months of my transition. I hope that our friendship will continue beyond the recent real estate transactions.

Adele Vespa, Corporate Counsel to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Moving from Europe to Summit, NJ should have been extremely stressful, but CAROLANN CLYNES provided all of the help we needed - from finding the perfect neighborhood to locating a great house. Her professionalism and industry prowess made all of the difference in our search.... Read More

Constance Guindo / The Guindo Family

I will always be grateful to you for facilitating that blessing in our lives. I am keenly aware of how hard you worked on my behalf and I am very thankful for your efforts.

Leslie Tunstall

...the deal actually closed, you are remarkable. I can see why you are so successful. No matter what was thrown at you there was a great response. Thank you for all your skill and effort.

Paul Allen

Fast, speed, moving, angling...results. Effort is for 12 year olds. You deliver results. That's the difference. That's what you're about Carolann. Love it.

Mark Gall

Excellent knowledge of local market opportunities and pricing. Quickly responds to inquiries and is resourceful in locating professionals to help resolve any issues. During a lengthy escrow requirement stuck with me and the project yo get the requirement resolved despite months of waiting for the contractor. Would recommend ....... Read More

spdelarge , New Jersey

Carolann was professional and sensitive to my needs to sell my mother's house after my mom passed away. Carolann has expert knowledge and a professional network to help with every step of the way...... I highly recommend Carolann to anyone buying or selling a home.... Read More

Valerie Leone

Congratulations on your score of 69 out of a possible 70 points on our Buyer/Seller Survey

Jeff Fellers, Vice President, Coldwell Banker Summit Office

You were chosen to be on the Summit Place team because of your track-record for success and prior New Homes experience. You lived up to the task and have been a vital member of the sales team. It was a pleasure to work with you again. Thank you for all you did.

David Schoner, Director of Coldwell Banker New Homes Division

Dear Carolann,
Thank you for the countless things you did to help ensure the sale of my Aunt’s home. I have great respect and appreciation for all you do and how you do it. You are a gift to me and I treasure your friendship. Enjoy this gift and have fun.... Read More

Judy Maloney

Carolann is thorough in what she does, and a person of her word. very easy to work with. She seemed to get the job done regardless of obstacles and had a good relationship with both attorneys.

vmmasonry , New Jersey

Carolann Clynes did a tremendous job supporting us through a very difficult closing process. She also foresaw potential issues throughout the process and took preventative action early. It was comforting to know she was on top of issues.

Joseph Musumeci

It is no wonder why I hold you in such high regard. YOU ARE THE BEST!

Judy Maloney

...Carolann is fabulous. I told her she was my Realtor for life. Carolann: you have been wonderful. You are my realtor for life and I will recommend you to the world.

Sandra Sauls

We could not have asked for a better agent than Carolann Clynes. She is extremely knowledgeable, particularly about the area we were looking in, professional, always diligently protected our interests, patient, and never pushy or overbearing. She is very personable and her warm personality made it a delight to work with her.

Dan Thorn-Leeson