Over 100,000 real estate companies are operating in the US alone. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re new to buying or selling property. When choosing an agent, look for one that has relevant experience, has a stellar reputation, and possesses the soft skills necessary to get you the best deal possible.
In this article, we share five tips that will help you find an agent who can navigate the property buying/selling process with you and ensure that you make the right choices.
Step 1: Define Your Requirements and Preferences
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First, you should make your preferences and needs clear. To start, make a list of things that are relevant for you in a property:
- What kind of location do you want?
- What size of home would be best for you?
- How many bedrooms do you need?
- What type of neighborhood is best for you?
- Do you need any special amenities?
Answers to these questions will help you determine what type of real estate company will be most suitable and narrow down your search. Remember that up-and-coming or beginner agents might have great potential, but they usually lack experience. Premium real estate is handled by property agents with tons of experience negotiating business deals.
Then, you might want to create a list of things that you would value in an agent:
- Do they have experience with the type of property you’re looking for?
- Can they communicate effectively in writing?
- Do they have connections with other agents in the area?
This will help you get a clear image of your perfect real estate agent.
Step 2: Research and Verify Credentials
As soon as you have a picture of your perfect characteristics in property and agent, you can start your search. Look through the prospects and check their credentials, licenses, and applicable experience.
Of those who become real estate agents, only 13% are still in business after five years. Your agent should be someone who has been in the game long enough to know its nuances. Aim for brokers that have operated for several years.
Next, check their education and training. If your real estate agent isn’t properly trained in all aspects of buying or selling property like home inspections, then it could cost you time and money when something goes wrong with your home purchase or sale transaction.
Also, check for client reviews, testimonials, and affiliations with professional organizations like NAR or CCIM Institute. Another thing you can do is look for social media pages or websites of an agent you found online. Working hard is no excuse for not keeping up with technology or ignoring the power of social media.
Step 3: Seek Recommendations and Referrals
Asking around for recommendations and referrals is also a good idea. You can always ask your relatives, friends, or friends of your friends if they can contact you with a professional agent. The first-hand experience of someone you trust can be a valuable asset in your search for a qualified and reliable agent.
You can also verify references from past clients by calling them up directly, rather than relying on what other people tell you about their personal experiences.
Step 4: Interview Multiple Agents
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The next step is to interview multiple agents. Interviewing others is not something people do all the time. So if you feel uncomfortable or even tense, it’s natural. However, being prepared for an interview will significantly boost your confidence. The questions you can ask during the interview:
- How many years have you been a property agent?
- Do you specialize in selling homes like mine?
- How many homes do you sell per year?
- How many clients do you currently have on active listings?
Agents with more experience and sales numbers have higher chances of striking a beneficial deal for you.
Step 5: Evaluate Communication and Rapport
The final step in finding the right real estate agent is evaluating how well they communicate with you. Effective communication and a good rapport are essential in any successful working relationship, including the one with your real estate agent. Pay attention to how responsive and accessible the agents are during the initial stages of your interaction. Assess their ability to listen to your needs and understand your goals. Choose an agent who demonstrates good communication skills and makes you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
You should not rush into the decision of cutting off an agent. Give them some time to prepare and analyze your local property market.
To Wrap Up
Finding the perfect agent isn’t something that happens overnight. But if you’re willing to spend some time thinking about what kind of agent would best suit your situation — and then put in a little legwork early on — feel confident that the effort will pay off. When all is said and done, you’ll have someone on your side who makes navigating life’s most stressful endeavors much easier!
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