When working with a real estate professional to buy or sell a home, there are a few traits to look for in order to get the services of a qualified real estate agent. Real estate agents can be a great source of information and knowledge and can help smooth out a transaction for sellers and buyers. There are many real estate agents, but as in any profession, there are good and bad apples. Here are a few traits of a good real estate agent.
Communication - Great communication is number one in the list of traits. The entire transaction will be based in an agent communicating with you, your lawyer, other agents, sellers ... Fortunately you will have a first interview with an agent and see if he/she is willing to answer questions, provide information, and if he/she seems to hear what you have to communicate as well. If you seem to be in the same page, then it seems that communication has started. However, it is worth mentioning that an agent may not be able to answer some questions about crime rates, ethnicity ... in a neighborhood because he/she is bound by the Fair Housing Act and a professional code of ethic. An agent should not take too long in addressing your questions and concerns. He/she has many other clients, but a courtesy call should be expected.
Techno Savvy - An agent should be able to navigate the internet and use some common tools of the trade to help you sell and buy a home. In this type of market and technological society, these skills are of the essence.
Committed to his/her profession - Instead of bypassing a part-time agent for a full-time agent, focus more on the commitment that this person seems to have to giving you the time and effort to help you buy or sell a home. There are lazy full-time agents and there are lazy part-time agents, but there are also very proactive and energetic full-time and part-time agents that are committed to their clients.
Knowledge and experience - Experience relates to how long the agent has been in the career field, but also in how many types of transactions he/she has handled. Knowledge relates to how well-informed the agent is about the current market, tools of the trade, RE information and latest happenings. Just because an agent has been long in the business and therefore experienced, does not necessarily mean that he/she is knowledgeable. In addition, there are many licensed professionals who are not very active in the field or keep up with the profession.
These are just a few traits to consider when looking for the right RE agent.
Comments(1)