Buy A Home

Before hiring a real estate agent, ask these questions:

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Are they a true Realtor?

At minimum, any real estate agent needs an active license with the state. But a Realtor® is an agent who has gone above and beyond to become a member of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Realtors adhere to a detailed code of ethics, which for the client is added insurance they're committed to their job and your best interests.

Ashley has been a certified Realtor for nearly two decades.

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How long have they been in real estate?

According to the NAR, 75% of Realtors fail within their first year in the industry, and 87% after five years. In other words, look for someone with at least 5 years' experience.

Ashley has nearly 20 years' experience.

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How well do they know the area?

If the agent has not lived in Hampton Roads very long, and especially if they are new to real estate, they're likely less aware of the differences between school divisions, nonpublicized perks and drawbacks to various neighborhoods, flood zone considerations and more.

Ashley grew up in Williamsburg and has lived on the Peninsula for nearly 20 years. She not only owns a home in York County, but has multiple rental properties throughout the Williamsburg-Peninsula region.

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Is this their full-time job?

A surprising number of licensed real estate agents do this work only as a "side hustle." You don't want to be competing for their time against their "real job"—you deserve an agent with availability to your needs, whose sole focus is real estate.

Ashley has been a full-time Realtor since graduation from the University of Virginia nearly 20 years ago.

 

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How responsive is their communication?

Nothing is more frustrating than being put off for days to hear if your offer was accepted, or having to text four times to finally get an answer to your question from last week. Look for signs in your earliest contacts with the agent to be sure they reply promptly and competently (being aware, of course, they do have lives outside their work).

Ashley replies quickly to your questions and requests, and is a master at arranging her schedule for your desired showing time or paper-signing meeting.

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What's their energy level?

Even when you score an experienced agent, you might end up with someone who's reached an age where their heart is no longer in the game. When they are slow to communicate, suggest shortcuts, wave off your concerns, and do the bare minimum, you've made a bad hire.

Unlike the many agents who enter the field at mid-life, Ashley became an agent right out of college. She gives you the best of both worlds—a Realtor with decades of experience, yet only in her early 40s and full of energy. She'll jump in with a solution when things go awry, aggressively negotiate your price, and be firm with the seller on repairs and updates you expect.

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