This July 4th will commemorate our 38th anniversary since relocating to Klamath Falls — an endeavor that has been both rewarding and challenging. With over four decades of experience in various managerial, marketing, and sales roles, I transitioned my focus to a career in real estate in 2006, beginning with obtaining my real estate license in Sonora, Mexico, and subsequently in Oregon in 2012.

Throughout these years, I have gained numerous insights — and wish to share some of these experiences with you.

Why Working With an Agent Matters

Regardless of whether you are a seller or a buyer, it is imperative to be represented by a well-trained and experienced real estate agent. Such professionals are not only educated in real estate principles but also possess the acumen to manage and execute the myriad of tasks associated with a transaction, guiding it to a successful escrow closure.

It is vital to remember that both sellers and buyers are undertaking one of the most significant financial transactions of their lives, necessitating the utmost protection from a professional who works for their interests.

Nine Questions to Ask Before You Hire

1. Experience

How long have they been licensed? How many transactions have they closed in the past 12 months? What's their experience in your specific neighborhood and price range?

2. References

Ask for references from recent clients — and actually call them. A good agent should be proud to connect you with people they've worked with.

3. Marketing Plan

How will they market your home? What's the photography, staging, MLS strategy, and online presence going to look like? "We'll list it on the MLS" is not a marketing plan.

4. Credentials

Inquire about any certifications or designations the agent has earned — indicating their commitment to ongoing education and adherence to the latest real estate laws and ethical standards.

5. Exclusive Representation

Confirm whether the agent can represent you exclusively, understanding the implications of Oregon's laws regarding disclosed limited agency in real estate transactions.

6. Compensation

Discuss upfront the agent's commission structure, which is negotiable and typically outlined in the listing agreement between the seller and the listing agent. Make sure you understand what's included.

7. Information Expectation

Expect your agent to leverage market data from the Multiple Listing Service and other sources to inform your decisions effectively.

8. Recommendations for Service Providers

A reputable agent should be able to recommend licensed and bonded service providers — though it is wise to verify their qualifications independently.

9. Communication

Establish your preferred method of communication with your agent — phone, text, email — to ensure timely updates and responsive service throughout the transaction.

Trust Your Gut

Beyond the answers to these questions, pay attention to how the conversation feels. Do they listen? Do they explain things clearly? Do they push you toward decisions, or do they help you make your own?

The agent who treats you like a person — not a transaction — is the one worth hiring.

Tony Nunes · Broker · Coldwell Banker · 3815 S. 6th St., Suite 110 · Klamath Falls, OR
(541) 840-0342 · klamathfallsrealtor.com
"Sell or Buy, I'm your Guy"