Tom Andrews

Start talking to a good lender, and do it early. If you don't know one, I'll be happy to recommend some. Looking for homes in the fun part, and we love making people homeowners, but the thing people don't realize is that the lender makes or breaks a deal. Even if you don't think you're ready to buy yet, or you've checked your credit online, a good lender can identify and help you fix problems before we find the dream home.

For most people, your home is the single largest financial investment you'll ever make - not to mention a massive emotional one. Make sure the agent representing you can negotiate effectively on your behave, and can dissect any offer made to find hidden traps and pitfalls. You need to know they're not just willing to fight for you, but capable.

All types - first-time buyers, investors, corporate relocation... there are plenty of broad categories that people fall in to, but everyone has a unique set of needs and wants that we have to meet.

We had a client that had a terrible experience with her past agent - he got her to sign an exclusivity agreement without explaining it, then refused to show her the homes she wanted to see. Once she started working with one our agents, the last guy got angry and threatened to sink her chances of closing on her dream home. Our agent saw the deal through, even through she didn't make a dime, because it was the right thing to do. It's what, as agents, we should do when things start to go south - put your needs first and make everything else secondary.

There is no better industry for building a business and career on your own sweat and effort. We attract a lot of people - and plenty aren't cut out for the sort of self-management and drive you need to survive - but the ones the can will be rewarded with happy home owners, a scratch-built business, and the ability to support their families.

We require continuous education for all our agents - both with our regional board, and without our brokerage. I honestly believe you can't hold someone accountable for their work if you didn't go a good job of training them in the beginning, so we make sure that's never and issue with our brokerage.