Susan Andrews in this LA Weekly Article!

Looking to buy or sell million-dollar real estate? Some agents are so zealous to get your business that they lose sight of what's at stake for you, the buyers and sellers.

Choosing the wrong agent can waste thousands of dollars and countless hours. Dealing in high-end real estate is a serious investment, and for that you need a consummate professional. Susan Andrews, an agent at the illustrious Hilton Hyland, and Claudia Hipolito, an agent at Coldwell Banker, offer advice on how to find a trustworthy, competent agent for your next high-end real estate transaction.

"Buyers should interview at least two realtors," Andrews says. "They need to have a buyer's consultation so that they can see if they're on the same page. If I can't accommodate someone, then I don't want to waste their time."

Hipolito agrees, "If you don't have harmony with an agent, it doesn't really work. A lot of buyers think agents field information and disseminate it to them, but it is a team effort. The information is so fast and furious that you literally need to be on top of it every day.”

Home seekers use websites like Realtor.com and Backpage.com to search the market, and there are other sites, according to Hipolito, like "Trulia.com and Zillow.com and Craigslist.org. A good agent should be open-minded enough to look at other search criteria, and buyers have to make sure that agent is going to keep up with them in terms of style and tenacity."

Another important search factor, according to Andrews, is, "Buyers need an agent who's honest with them about what they can actually afford, and who knows not just their primary area, but also surrounding areas as a substitute in their client's price range."

Time is critical for house hunters. "Buyers need an agent who uses their time efficiently" Andrews says. “An agent should preview property for clients as opposed to just sending them out. Also, you want an agent who's returning your phone calls and sending you to properties that you ask for immediately."

Once the buyer finds the dream house, the agent's true colors show. Hipolito says, "A good buyer's agent has a pool of people they can trust. They should be able to refer at least three mortgage brokers, and other vendors who do work from roofing to color consulting and waterproofing."

The agent represents the buyer in the transaction. Andrews advises. "You want to make sure that your agent can make you aware of all the problems that can arise when you purchase a house. A good negotiator is very important for a buyer, particularly in this market."

Hipolito says. "It's up to the buyer's agent to get information about the property ahead of time. A good agent is going to tell you, 'Before you put an offer on this, let's look at the price, at square footage and compare amenities to other houses.'"

Selling your home? Here's what you need to know.

"Selling is a completely different animal," Andrews says. "Listing agents need to be on top of the stock market and employment rates and in touch with the buyer's market." Hipolito says, "The listings agent has to get their sellers in front of the market. If the market is saying a million, that agent is listing at 949,000 because the perception of a deal gets the property sold. Buyers look at days on the market like it's the end all be all sign that the buying community has rejected the house at its current list price."

Andrews agrees, "An agent should understand the value and selling points of the home and be careful when pricing the property. You want to support the seller, but you don't overprice the property, miss the offer and chase the markets down."

Marketing is critical. Andrews says. "The agent should have an aggressive, specific marketing plan for your house. You may have a modern house that appeals to a younger, entertaining crowd. Or a traditional house that appeal to a family. It's important for the agent to understand who will buy the house." 

Andrews says don't underestimate the details."A good listing agent is honest with clients about upgrades. Sometimes the client doesn't want to spend $5000 to stage the house, but it may gain them $25000 or $30,000 when they sell. That $5000 investment could bring a 400 or 500 percent return. I've seen it happen before."