Whether you are looking to buy a new house or wanting to sell your current property, choosing the right agent is a big decision. So what exactly should you look for and how can you know if they will help you get the most out of your property or find the home you’ve always dreamed of?
Communication Is Key
First off, you should make sure that the person you are going to be working with communicates well with you from the start. You will want to make sure your agent is someone you can get in touch with, and speak to, easily. Do they respond promptly or do they seem to be trying to balance too many things at once? Do they seem to have your best interest in mind? You want someone who can see your vision, help you adjust to changes, and will work with you through any problems you might face. Make sure they understand what you are wanting them to do for you, which means that you need to communicate your ideas clearly as well. One thing to look for is if they can rephrase what you said back to you, like “so what I’m hearing is that you are wanting…”.
Find A Connection
You never know how much time you will be spending with your agent, so it is important to find a person that you feel comfortable spending time with. Buying and selling are big steps, which means that you should also make sure that the person you are going to work with during this time is someone you can trust. One way to find this person is to ask friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations. Asking people you know and like, who have worked with an agent, can give you honest insight. Also, if your best friend really liked someone, the odds that you like them too are pretty high. Even with references you should always interview first. It is recommended to interview 3 or 4 agents to get a good feel of who they are and what they have to offer you. Don’t be afraid to be thorough!
Ask Questions
Along with communicating, you should be able to ask questions as a buyer or seller.
-If you are selling, consider asking questions like “how will you market my home?” or “how many listings do you have right now and how long have they been on the market?”
-If buying, think about questions like “how many listings do you think we will look at that fit my criteria?” or “how do you handle multiple offers?”
-When buying or selling, ask if they have a list of clients that you can speak with about their experience, either positive or negative.
Do They Have Any Specializations
There are numerous specializations that real estate agents can have that might pertain to you. For example, if you see SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) that means the agent has completed training aimed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50+ age range. Other agents might have more knowledge in specific areas that could benefit veterans or first time home buyers. For a more extensive list of designations and certifications click here. Another aspect to look at is if they have received any rewards such as the “Realtor of the Year”. Also, don’t forget to check that their licensing is up to date!
Comments(1)