Whether you’re buying or selling a home, finding a trusted real estate agent is the most important crucial point. A Real estate agent help you to manage a transaction and guide you step by step process.
It may be tempting to hire the first real estate agent you talk to, just to save time and effort. But a real estate agent can easily make or break your home-buying or home-selling experience. The choices are many in this area. It can be a commercial property specialist, selling business structures or specialize in single family residential homes. Some areas of specialization are more common than others, and some have been highly successful for agents. It never hurts to specialize in something that you enjoy doing.
You must need a agent who has what it takes to get the job done. But how do you find the right real estate agent for you?
There are few Tips to Find a Great Real Estate Agent in your area so you can buy or sell a home on your timeline and for the right price.
- Use trusted resources to find agents near you.
You don’t have to look far to find a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home. May be you already know a few in your area. But with so much money on the line, it’s important to really consider your options to find the best agent for you.
There are many ways to find a real estate agent. But to find a great one near you, you need to look in the right places:
- Use a referral program you trust that vets for the best agents—like our Endorsed Local Providers (ELP) program.
- Do extensive research online for the best agents in your area or where you plan to move.
- Ask people who had a great experience buying or selling a home for the agent they used.
- Visit open houses so you can meet potential agents in person.
Don’t make the mistake of settling for a mediocre agent when you could easily find a top performer who has helped hundreds like you get the job done smoothly and for the best deal.
2. Evaluate their real estate experience.
Helping people buy or sell a home is a tough job that involves difficult negotiations and market fluctuations. So you’ll want to find an agent who has a ton of experience.
- Buyer’s agent: If you’re buying a home, look for a buyer’s agent who has at least two years of full-time real estate experience.
- Seller’s agent: Selling, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. You want an agent who’s been working full time for a minimum of four years.
A typical real estate agent has a median experience of eight years and if an agent has 10 or more years under their belt, you can trust that they’ve sold in the best and worst of times. You would market to the concerns and needs of very high-priced property owners or buyers
3. Make sure they know your local real estate market.
An agent who has sold a lot of homes in your area has proven expertise. They should have personal ties to your community and understand what makes your particular corner of the world special.
General real estate experience is a big factor, but it’s equally important that your agent has helped people buy and sell lots of homes in your area.
If you’re selling your house, an agent who is that successful can afford to provide a full marketing plan and may even hire extra support to make sure home sales don’t miss a beat.
When it comes to buying a house, working with an agent who’s an expert negotiator ensures you aren’t overpaying on your new place.
4. Check the real estate agent’s track record.
There’s no guarantee that the agent will be able to help you buy or sell a home within a time frame. But to keep an idea of what to expect can be helpful, especially if you’re selling a house. If you’re trying to sell your home on a tight timeline, you want to choose an agent who will work hard to get it sold quickly.
Now, if you’re buying a home, you can evaluate the sale-to-list ratio on the homes. An agent help clients to purchase as well negotiate on your behalf.
5. Learn about their customer service.
Communication is a quality of a real estate agent. You need a real estate agent who is both highly responsive and honest to a fault. Whether you like it or not, it’s in your best interest for them to call it like they see it.
Take detail information before hiring any real estate agent. If you’re required to sign a contract, ask your agent if you can cancel without a penalty if you’re not satisfied with their service. And be aware that some agents charge a termination fee to cover out-of-pocket marketing expenses.
Nothing beats talking to a former client about their personal & working experience with the agent. When you interview real estate agents, make sure they provide a list of past clients for you to contact.
6. Interview your real estate agent.
A great agent will patiently and thoroughly answer any question you have because they want you to have all the information you need to make a confident decision. These questions will help you spot the truly great agents and set the right expectations for the process:
- How will they help me sell and/or buy a home in a competitive market?
- Do you need to sign a contract? Can it be cancelled without penalty?
- Who can I contact for a reference?
7. Hire someone you actually like.
You don’t have to be best friends with your agent. But you do need to gel with them, so to speak. The right agent will make sure you understand the process and carefully answer any questions you have without adding any stress to the mix.