In buying or selling a property, an expert real estate agent is vital to make the process successful and stress-free. Seek out an agent with excellent credentials, references and a proven track record of success. Here are some tips to assist you with finding the perfect agent.
1: A good agent must do at least 1 transaction every month.
Always consider an agent who’s been working in sales, negotiations, and contracts in real estate or property management for at least five years, preferably. An agent with those years of experience and a regular stream of transactions means he/she likely has a good feel for the process and can help find you the best deals. Agents with less experience can still be a good choice if they know the area well and have a great work ethic and strong customer service skills.
2: Find an agent who works in the same area you intend to purchase from.
The agent you work with should know the area in which you’re looking to buy or sell. Agents who live or work in your choice area will be aware of the best neighborhoods and trends. Such an agent will also know small details, like where the best schools are, hospitals, commute times, and so on.
3: Work with only licensed agents.
Always work with an agent who’s properly licensed. Confirm the agent you are contacting has a legal license to buy and sell real estate.
4: Ask for referrals from friends and family members.
If you know someone who recently bought or sold a home, reach out to them. Friends and family members will most likely give you honest assessments of their experience. However, be cautious about choosing an agent ONLY because a friend or family member recommended them. Your real estate needs and what you desire in a realtor may be different, so make sure you understand what exactly your friends or family’s objectives were.
5: Find out if they work alone or in a team.
Agents who work alone are good but it’s best to work with a team of agents because specialists for each step are available.
6: Make sure you get along with the agent.
Chemistry is important in real estate. Work with someone you get along with, this would prevent unnecessary tension during an already stressful process. Make sure you click with the agent and feel comfortable in their presence.
7: Avoid agents who don’t answer their phone or return calls.
A good real estate agent will be accessible all the time including weekends and evenings which can be the busiest times. In real estate, every day is a “business day” and if crucial items come up on evenings or weekends, you need an agent whom you can reach. An agent who isn’t available throughout the day may not be your best option.
8: Stay away from agents who don’t know the area you’re buying from.
If an agent does not know the area you want to buy from, or cannot readily provide information about the area, that is a bad sign. A good agent should be able to quickly rattle off things like neighborhoods, general price ranges, nearby businesses, and so on. If an agent cannot provide specific details about an area, you may want to find someone who knows it better.
