You know where you want to buy a house, your budget, and how much you can afford to pay for a down payment, but you haven’t chosen a real estate agent yet. Or, you’re a home seller who has prepped your house to sell but isn’t sure who you should select as a real estate agent. Considering that buying or selling a home will probably be one of the most significant financial moves you’ll ever make, having a seasoned professional to guide you through the process, including the paperwork and negotiations, is a must. Let’s take a look at a few areas to focus on when choosing a real estate agent.
Interview 3 Agents
You wouldn’t buy a car because one person told you it’s the greatest. You would talk to other people, compare it to other cars, do online research, and possibly visit a dealership. Please do the same when it comes to finding the right real estate agent. Interview at least three agents, compare them and decide if they meet your criteria.
Do you like their communication style?
Does the agent ask a lot of questions, showing interest in your answers?
Do you want an agent who gets back to you promptly or are you flexible?
Do you need a lot of personalized attention or not?
Is the agent pushy or patient?
Does the agent have years of experience or are they newly licensed?
How many homes have they sold or helped buyers purchase in the last 6-12 months?
When an agent gives you their full attention, takes time to get to know you, and asks a lot of questions to make sure they can meet your needs, you’ll feel most comfortable in choosing that agent. If the agent is rushing through the interview process, speaks vaguely about their experiences or sales numbers, or is too aggressive or abrasive, be cautious about choosing them as your agent.
Did I mention doing the interviews face-to-face? Whether you interview agents over a virtual visit or in an office setting, you’ll want to see their faces and how they react to your questions.
Interview agents face-to-face for the best results.
Neighborhood Listing Agents
Drive around the neighborhood you want to live in and see who’s selling homes. These agents can be the most knowledgeable about the homes in the area. Research the listing agents online to determine their background and style. Check out their history in real estate, and read their testimonials (red flag is there aren’t any). Do they come across as kind and ethical? Are the homes they are selling are within your budget? As you explore agents selling in your neighborhood, decide which agents are worth a face-to-face interview, and then set up an appointment.
Recommendations
Getting a referral from a friend or relative who has used a specific agent to help them buy or sell a house is a good option. When your friend shares the positive experiences they had with their agent, chances are you will have a similar experience. Again, you’ll want to compare a referred real estate agent to other agents to ensure you’re getting the best one for your needs.
Ask what your friend liked about their real estate agent.
What was the agent’s personality like?
Did their agent go above and beyond?
Did they respond quickly to questions?
Did they help educate your friend when the paperwork got confusing?
Has the agent stayed in touch with your friend after the home purchase or sale?
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best real estate agent for your home buying or selling needs, take the time to do a bit of research. Look up agents who are selling in your preferred neighborhood, and ask friends and family for recommendations. Choose three real estate agents to interview face-to-face. Rely on the agent’s history, reputation, personality, and ethicality before deciding which agent will best represent you. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to buying or selling a house with an experienced agent who only wants the best for you.
Check out this article to avoid hiring an inexperienced real estate agent.
