It's not every day that you buy a house, so it's important to make sure you do everything right. One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right real estate agent. There are many real estate agents in South Windsor, so how do you know who to choose? In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to select the right agent for you.
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Look for Social Proof
You can learn a lot about a real estate agent from that agent's online presence. Do they have good online reviews? Are the reviews from recent clients positive? Does it look like they had a bunch of friends leave 5-star reviews over a weekend? Or do they read like actual clients? Are the reviews on independent sites like Google or Yelp, or just quotes from "clients" on their personal web site? Ask agents you interview if they are willing to let you talk with any past buyers or other references?
Ask your friends, family or co-workers for a good agent
If you are comfortable asking for an introduction to an agent, this can be a good place to start. It is in your best interests to still do research into an agent you are introduced to this way. Sure, you have some valuable insight into the process and what to expect with an agent you are personally introduced to. But just because your buddy trusted them to buy a house, doesn't automatically mean you should use them as your real estate agent as well. Do you find them approachable and friendly?
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Are they a real estate agent or not?
Your largest investment should not be handled by someone who also works full time down at the local dry cleaners, or as an Uber Eats delivery person. The home buying process is complex, and you need their interests and attention focused on your transaction, not rushing off to delivery an order from Shake Shack. Can any agent open a door? Sure, but a serious buyer needs a professional who has taken additional training to help a buyer with their home search, who has the tools to be successful, and has a network of professionals to call upon.
Are they a local real estate agent?
A real estate agent search should attempt to find an agent who is knowledgeable in South Windsor, CT and the local area. For example, do they know if contemporary style homes are more or less common in town? Do they know which of the elementary school is last to be redone? Questions like these will help you get a sense if they know South Windsor, or are they just making a sale. Not to say an agent must live in town to be your choice, but getting the best advice comes from a real estate agent knowing the local market.
Are you a part of a team or a solo agent?
There are pros and cons to each. But what is important is that you get to meet and interview the actual agent you will work with, and that agent will remain involved with your deal until it closes. A transaction coordinator is nice, but the quarterback is the buyer's agent. No team wins without their quarterback in the game.
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How many active buyers do you have at a time?
A real estate agent is human. They have the ability to work with only a certain amount buyers at one time. There isn't a fixed number that an agent can work with, but their ability to do a job will likely start to suffer at some point. Look at the clues. How long did it take for them to call back initially. Days? Too busy. How often does their phone ring when you are with them? Are they available to show you a property when you are available most of the time?
How long have you been working with buyers?
The state of Connecticut says you are ready to sell real estate after taking a 60 hour class and passing a test. The National Association of Realtors has an Accredited Buyers Representative designation that requires a greater investment in education and participating in at least 5 transactions. But you may wish to compare real estate agents by looking at the number of years they have been working in real estate. Do you want to be the first real estate transaction a newly licensed agent works on?
Discuss the buying process and strategy
As a buyer you need to understand the process. From getting a preapproval letter from a lender. To what tools the agent has to make the search or transaction smoother. When should you expect to pay money during the process? Will it take six months, two weeks from beginning to end? What are your communication preferences? The right real estate agent should be able to explain the process and answers any questions you have.
When buying a property in South Windsor CT, it is important to choose the right real estate agent. There are many factors you should consider when making your decision, such as how busy the agent is, how long they have been working with buyers, and what kind of reviews they have from prior clients. You should also discuss the buying process and strategy with your chosen agent so that you are both on the same page and in agreement with what to expect.
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