How to Pick a Real Estate Agent
If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in the near future, it’s important to know how to pick the right real estate agent. A reputable professional who understands your needs and who you get along with will make the experience of buying or selling a house much easier.
The first step is to ask for referrals from friends and family. They can provide a lot of information about the real estate agent’s work ethic and professionalism, says Davis. You can also use official referral sources like the National Association of Realtors or local chambers of commerce to find a great agent.
A good agent will help you prepare for a home sale or purchase, including helping you to set a price and narrowing down your search. They should be familiar with your budget and able to negotiate on your behalf. They should be well-respected in their industry and have a track record of success.
You can also check with your state’s real estate regulator to determine if the agent has a license and if they’ve had any complaints or disciplinary actions against them. In some states, you can even check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they’ve had any issues.
Next, schedule interviews with a few potential agents. These will give you a chance to gauge their personality and experience, and to decide whether they’re the right fit for you.
During these interviews, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about their marketing strategy for your home. This could include things like “just listed” postcards, open houses and 3D virtual tours.
Another important question is, “How long have you been in the business?” You want to hire someone who’s been in business for at least a few years and has sold lots of homes. If an agent hasn’t closed a deal in several months, that’s a red flag. Also read https://www.compasslandcapital.com/sell-commercial-property/
The interview also gives you a chance to get an idea of their communication style, how available they are to your questions and how they interact with clients during the process. For example, if you prefer to text or call an agent during working hours rather than meeting them in person, they’ll need to be able to communicate with you effectively.
It’s also a good idea to interview at least one or two of their recent clients, and ask them about their experiences. This will let you see if they were satisfied with the way their agent handled the process and whether they’d recommend them to others.
Once you’ve selected a few candidates, ask them to put together a comprehensive list of homes they’ve listed and sold in the past year, with contact information for at least a few previous clients. This will give you a great idea of the types of homes they work with and how well they do it.
Choosing a real estate agent is an important decision that will affect your life for many years to come, so it’s essential to find the best possible match. By following these tips, you can easily find the perfect match for your home buying or selling needs.