Back in days where banks were only lenders in business, getting a loan meant putting on your best clothes to go to a nervy appointment with bank manager. You'd sit there for some minutes, feeling like you're facing school headmaster and bracing yourself for humiliation. It is then such a relief that these days, things aren't so bad.

Banks used to have market for personal loans all to themselves. This is because they were only business entities that could offer personal loans. And because of this, they charge you extortionate rates, confident in knowledge that borrower has no other choice. Well, it's a little different now. The market is open, which means that banks are no longer only ones from whom you can get your personal loan. There are many places where you can apply for personal loans. And because of increase in supply of consumer credit, rates have become increasingly competitive.

You can find loan providers everywhere. Supermarkets, gas suppliers, junk mail, television, and magazines are only a few of places where you can look for personal loans. This means that a wide array of options is held open for you, assuring you only best of deals. However, with so many places to choose from, where do you start?

Personal Loans - The Beginning

Here are 3, most important things that I’ve encountered, that I believe contribute towards excellence in profession of Real Estate agents.

1.To Serve 2.To Know 3.To Listen

1.To Serve:

Real Estate is a service business, and homeowners and buyers must be treated with respect that they deserve. A Real Estate Agent must demonstrate that they care about you, and that their primary concern is to serve your needs, and not their own.

a)Look for agents that carry cell phones everywhere they go, and that have no problem taking late night calls, or being interrupted during a Saturday morning snooze. This isn’t a rib of steak you’re buying (or selling). It is more important than everything and anything, and it can be a stressful, anxious process to go through. Customers deserve a confidant, and to be treated with utmost of care.

b)Avoid agents that think they know everything. Seek out agents yearning to find out about you, and your likes, dislikes, and opinions. Avoid agents hail-bent on trying to prove what an encyclopedia of wisdom and advice they are. You’re thoughts matter too!

c)Your time is important. If you want to see 20 properties or more, don’t let anyone stop you. A Real Estate agent that encourages you to look, and explore, is more worthy of your time, than an agent that tries to fit you into their busy schedule. This is your buying experience, not theirs.

2.To Know:

I believe that knowledge is gained through familiarity. So, having a real estate agent that is familiar with landscape of land is of critical importance.

a)I like agents that have lived in area for a while, that know all names of streets, and that know high schools, local grocery stores, and local parks.

b)I enjoy listening to an agent’s own personal experiences, as we drive through neighborhoods, or review demographics. It’s not as important to me that they’re old, or young, or rich, or hungry, or just like me, or nothing like me, or whatever. As long as stories are real, and are related, that’s all that matters.