A real estate agent is a critical component of a smooth home buying or selling
process. So how do you choose the best one for your needs?
Start with recommendations from friends or family, then interview agents to find the
right fit. Ask about their experience & track record.
- Experience
One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a real estate agent
is their level of experience. Generally speaking, agents with more experience are
better equipped to handle more complicated deals and to guide you through the
process smoothly.
It’s also helpful to choose an agent who has sold property similar to the type of
home you’re looking for. You can also ask prospective agents how they arrived at
the asking price for their properties and if comparative market analysis (CMA) data
was used to determine this price.
You can find out how long an agent has been in the business by searching their
name on your state’s real estate commission website or equivalent office. However,
don’t discount an up-and-coming agent who has a passion for the business.
- Responsiveness
In this fast-moving real estate market, you don’t want to work with an agent who
takes days to answer a phone call or text. They may be too busy to pay attention to
your needs and could miss out on a home you’re interested in seeing or a buyer
they’re helping with a purchase. Read more https://www.sellmyhousefastforcash.com/we-buy-houses-edmunds-wa/
When choosing an agent, ask to talk to past clients about their experiences. They
can give you a more objective review of an agent’s responsiveness, whether they
helped them find a home for the right price or navigated challenges during a sale.
Also, be sure to ask about the amount of time the agent spent working with those
clients. Some agents choose to work part-time and are less up-to-date on the market
than full-time ones.
- Communication
When it comes to real estate, good communication is essential. Failing to
communicate effectively can lead to confusion, missed deadlines, and frustration for
both buyers and sellers.
When interviewing agents, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they use
email or text to send updates? Do they answer questions promptly? Ask if they
prefer to communicate through phone, email or in-person.
Additionally, be sure to clarify your needs and wants before you sign with an agent.
By doing so, you’ll avoid wasting time looking at homes that don’t meet your
criteria. Lastly, make eye contact when speaking to an agent. Studies show that eye
contact conveys trust and sincerity. However, don’t overdo it — too much eye
contact can be off-putting to some buyers.
- Flexibility
The real estate agent you choose will play a huge role in whether your home sells
quickly, and at what price. So it’s important to make sure you have some flexibility
when choosing an agent, especially if you’re thinking about using an online portal
that provides you with agent matches.
Consider asking your friends, co-workers and neighbors about their experiences with
agents, and ask them to describe both good and bad experiences. This can help you
find an agent who has experience in your type of transaction.
Additionally, be sure to clarify whether the agent will represent only you or both
parties in a deal (known as dual agency). This isn’t a big deal for buyers and sellers
alike, but it does make a difference.
- Knowledge
A good real estate agent will have a strong understanding of the local market. If
you’re looking to buy a home in Manhattan, for example, you’ll want an agent who
knows the city’s zoning laws and coop boards inside and out.
Savvy agents also know which features sell homes in a particular area and can
identify real estate comparables that will help you determine an accurate selling
price or purchase price for a home. They also keep up with community news and
may even know if a large employer is planning to lay off employees or expand,
which could affect a neighborhood’s property values.
Avoid choosing a part-time or “relative” agent as they may not follow the real estate
market closely enough to be of service to you. Full-time agents are more likely to be
up to date on new listings and have a solid understanding of the local market.