How do I choose the right real estate agent for my needs?

When buying or selling a house, having the right agent on your side can be invaluable. A good agent will help you through every step of the process, saving you time and stress, and making the entire process potentially much more profitable and enjoyable.

However, before you get there, you need to choose the right agent first. Here are some steps and things to keep in mind.

The Importance of Finding the Right Agent

First, maybe we should touch on why you need an agent at all. Well, having an agent guide you through the home buying or selling process is recommended for a few reasons:

They will…

• Help to price your home correctly
• Recommend the most cost-effective renovations
• Have access to effective marketing strategies and tools
• Handle the work of taking calls, conducting meetings, and showings
• Take care of negotiations and paperwork
• Make sure you stay on the right side of the law and local regulations.

Steps to Finding a Good Real Estate Agent

One of the best first steps to finding a real estate agent is to find a reputable and well-established real estate team. Any agent that’s part of such a team will likely receive extensive training and support, regardless of their personal level of experience.

Next, look for some social trust signals. Ask family and friends who they’ve worked with, check online reviews, and consult local services that can recommend agents to you.

Once you have a shortlist of candidates, set up some interviews. These will give you a chance to ask some pointed questions and just get a good face-to-face feel for who you might be working with.

One of the first questions to ask is about their experience. Not necessarily “time on the job”, but rather what your candidate agent is used to working with: what areas do they specialize in, what property types, do they typically help buyers or sellers, and so on.

If you already have a price range, property type, and area in mind, it’ll help to find an agent with experience in these.

Next, try to establish their communication style and availability. How often will you keep in touch? What methods of contact do they prefer?

Finding a Seller’s Agent

Are there any specifics to look for when you need an agent to help you sell your home? There are a few…

• Check a seller agent’s current listings. Are they accompanied by high-quality photos? This should speak to their professionalism and marketing savvy.
• Ask them specifically about their marketing strategy. Compare this with any other agents you may be interviewing.
• Look for an agent who will give you the hard truth. It’s easy for some agents to talk up your home and promise you top-dollar in order to get your business.

Finding a Buyer’s Agent

When finding a buyer’s agent specifically, many of the above guidelines apply. However, one of the most important things to look for is an agent that asks about and listens to your needs. You want someone who knows what you’re looking for and is willing to commit the time to help you find it. They should also be interested in whether you have pre-approved finance.

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