Do you want to buy your first home? Or perhaps you’ve decided to sell the one you’re currently in. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, using the expertise of a professional real estate agent will go a long way in ensuring that the entire process goes smoothly. What can make working with a great agent a little complicated is so many of them are out there! How do you settle on one that will be best for you? Experts weigh in with some great tips on how to find a real estate agent that will be the right one.
Take notes about what you’d like to find in an agent
Before you begin your search, knowing what you expect from a real estate agent is essential. It should go without saying that you’ll want to work with a professional that is honest and dedicated. But what other characteristics and qualifications are essential to you?
Maybe you’re a younger buyer and want someone that knows social media marketing inside and out. Or perhaps you’re a senior seller and feel more comfortable with an agent with a more traditional approach. No matter what you decide, there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s all about meeting your needs and expectations.
Do you prefer an agent that works alone or is part of a dedicated team? Do you expect them to be reachable on the weekends, or is the typical Monday-Friday work week okay with you? Is working through their assistant fine, or do you prefer to work with the agent directly?
When you answer these questions, among others, you can begin to narrow down your search. As soon as you discover the qualities you want them to have, you’re one step closer to knowing how to find a real estate agent.
In the real estate world, some of the best relationships begin with referrals
In a busy profession like real estate, word of mouth is everything. There’s no more substantial form of advertising than positive word of mouth, and personal recommendations from happy clients go a long way to serving anyone in this field. Some folks will begin their search for a real estate agent in this manner. Asking friends and family who they have worked with satisfactorily might lead you to the best agent.
Finding a realtor can also mean getting referrals from the numerous other professionals these agents work with daily. Your banker, attorney, or favorite contractor will likely have worked with many real estate agents. Don’t be shy to ask them about the ones they enjoy working with and which ones might check all the boxes on your list.
It’s important to interview several agents before you select the one you want to work with
Once you’ve discovered an agent that matches your expectations, continuing the search process is important. It’s recommended to interview at least three agents before settling on the one you want to work with.
Begin each interview with a series of questions so that the agent can give you an understanding of how they will approach the purchase or sale of your home. If you buy a home, you will want to know how well the agent handles negotiating offers and counteroffers. Do they know the area well enough to answer your questions about its amenities and potential pitfalls? How do they keep up with the available housing stock to keep you informed of new listings?
But if you need a selling agent, you will need a professional with different skills. What does their marketing strategy consist of? It is important to know how these agents will approach the sale of your home and how they will attract the best-qualified buyers to it. Are they well-connected with other professionals? As a seller, you will need solid referrals for closing attorneys, title companies, and perhaps even contractors to repair the home before it’s listed.
Discuss the fees that must be paid to the agent upon closing. Compare those fees with the other agents you interview, but remember that the lowest levels of commissions might not always translate to the best results as a seller.
Once you have selected your real estate agent, you’ll be on your way to a successful transaction
When you’ve found your real estate agent, they will get to work immediately. If you’re selling, they’ll sit down with you and review what might need to be done with your home before it is listed. Additionally, they’ll cover their exact marketing strategy, detailing step-by-step how they will attract buyers to your property. They might recommend repairs, deep cleaning, exterior maintenance, and landscaping, which will cost you. But curb appeal and the impression the home's interior makes on any prospective buyer is essential.
As a buyer, your agent will search for homes that fit your criteria. They will have you make a list of what you need in a home and a secondary list of extra amenities you’d love a home to have but wouldn't be deal breakers without them. The agent will help you get pre-approved and assist in helping you find a home inspector for any home you place a contract on.
Your next move
Selling your home is a big decision and can be a daunting task. There are a range of legal necessities to complete, prepping your home for the market and marketing your home to market value. An agent like Heather Zielinski can streamline the process and do much of the hard work for you. She has excellent project management skills, experience and is dedicated to making this a smooth and profitable transaction. Contact her today to get started!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
