When it comes to buying or selling real estate, the right agent can make all the
difference. A good real estate agent will guide you through a process that’s filled
with many pitfalls and scams, and keep your best interests at the forefront. But how
do you find a realtor or listing agent who’s the right fit? The top real estate agents
we spoke with shared their top tips for finding an agent who’ll make your homebuying
or selling journey a success.
Personal referrals are the best way to begin your search. Ask friends, family
members and neighbors who they worked with during their recent home sale or
purchase, then check out their online profiles and skim through recent customer
reviews. You can also visit the website of your local Realtors(r) association or real
estate listing platform, which will usually display a list of agents in your area with
their contact information and sales history. Be sure to look for agents who are
members of NAR, as they follow a code of ethics that’s designed to protect clients.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, set up interviews with the agents who
pique your interest. Depending on your situation, you may want to interview only
listing or buyer’s agents. Ask each candidate to walk you through their sales and
purchasing processes, how they’d approach your unique needs and goals, and
whether they think they would be a good fit for your personality. For more https://www.shonabuyshouses.com/
In addition to their professional qualifications, you’ll also want to make sure your
personalities click and that you feel comfortable communicating with the agent on a
regular basis. “You need to work well together and be able to share the highs and
lows of the process,” says Mattes. “If you’re not compatible, it can make the entire
experience a lot more difficult.”
When interviewing potential agents, be sure to ask about their knowledge of your
neighborhood, including average days on market and current average listing prices.
See if they know this information off the top of their head or if they have to do
research before providing an answer. A good agent will have their finger on the
pulse of your local market, staying informed about upcoming developments that
could impact your home’s value, like plans for a new highway or a new park that
might decrease or increase your home’s value.
Once you’ve found an agent or two that you want to work with, make sure they’re
available to meet with you on your schedule and have a good communication style.
You don’t want to have to wait a day or more for a response to a text or phone call.
And if you’re buying, make sure they can help you line up your finances, so that you
can act quickly when the time comes to purchase.
