Whether you are selling a home for the first time or have been in the real estate industry for many years, the process of buying or selling property can be complicated. That is probably why most people who want to sell their homes decide to list with real estate agents.
Although you may decide to sell or purchase a house without the help of a real estate agent, it might take you longer than you expected to complete the transaction. That’s why many people prefer working with real estate agents.
But with more than 3 million licensed real estate agents scattered across the country, it can be challenging to find the right one for you. You need to take your time to find someone who will help sell your home faster and with a good market price.
Below are five tips to help you choose a good real estate agent.
1. Be Prepared
Being prepared and understanding what exactly you want can make the process of finding the right real estate agent easy and quick. As a buyer, you would want to get pre-approved for a mortgage early enough. Most agents are never willing to work with individuals who are not preapproved for a mortgage.
Once you have known the cost of the house and if you can afford it, you can initiate a conversation with the real estate agent about the type of properties available within your budget.
Having an understanding of the real estate market your property fits into (like an investment property or starter home) can also help you find a good agent.
2. Seek Referrals from Family and Friends
This is another great way of choosing a real estate agent. Ask people within your social circle if there’s any real estate agent who they can recommend. You would want someone who has adequate experience helping clients with needs like yours. For example, the needs of someone purchasing a house for the first time are different from someone who wants to downsize.
Try to look for a real estate agent who is a Realtor. This means they are official members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It also shows that the real estate agent adheres to the code of ethics of the group.
3. Look for Someone Qualified and Experienced in Your Area
When interviewing real estate agents, try to find out how long they have been in the industry. Do they work as full-time or part-time agents? How many projects have they undertaken and how many are ongoing? If a person works as a real estate agent on a part-time basis, then they might not be readily available when you need them.
Also, make sure your real estate agent has all the necessary credentials and is licensed in the state you want to move to. For example, if you’re planning to move to Austin, Texas, your agent should be licensed to work in real estate in Austin.
4. Conduct Thorough Research on Prospective Agents
Begin by checking the agent’s online presence. Look at their social media accounts and website. Also, check their online reviews. Online reviews can give you a clue about the type of services being offered by the agent.
You will see comments from existing or even previous customers. This will allow you to make an informed decision based on what people are saying about them. But one or two negative comments should not be a reason to dismiss a real estate agent.
5. Interview at Least Three Agents
Conducting interviews will offer you a chance to get a sense of the agent’s experience and style. By asking them specific questions in the area you are interested in, it will be easier to determine if an agent means what they say.
You should interview a minimum of three real estate agents and choose the best among them.
In Summary
Selling or purchasing a home can be overwhelming. But with the right real estate agent, you can make the process fast and seamless.
