The home buying or selling process is an extremely important part of a buyer’s or seller’s life, and finding the right real estate agent can make a significant difference. You need to be sure that you’re hiring the best person for the job and not settling for someone who’s just looking to earn a quick commission.
A real estate agent is a professional who helps buyers, sellers and renters navigate the home-buying or selling process. They also help ensure that all parties involved are aware of any potential issues and that the transactions go smoothly.
To find the best agent for your needs, you should ask friends and family who they have worked with recently. Then, scour their recommendations, check their website and online profiles, and read reviews.
You can use StreetEasy’s powerful match tool to find real estate agents with proven experience in the neighborhoods and housing types you want. It analyzes millions of home sales to give you personalized results. It’s not based on surveys, submitted testimonials or paid ranking systems, and it’s completely free.
Do they work full time?
If you’re a busy buyer or seller, it’s essential that your agent is available to answer your questions and respond quickly when you need them. Ideally, an agent will be on the phone or available via email during business hours, but you should also consider whether they can take calls after normal office hours or weekends.
Are they a good communicator?
When you start the interview process with a potential agent, be sure to ask about their communication style. Does he or she prefer to talk on the phone, text, or email? If so, ask if they can meet in person to get to know each other better. Also read https://www.propertyleads.com/how-to-find-vacant-properties/
Are they a strong advocate for you?
When you’re dealing with a real estate agent, you need to feel like they’re on your side and will fight for your best interests. This means if they’re too eager to please, seem to be faking their enthusiasm, or are ignoring your concerns, it may be a good idea to look for a new one.
Are they knowledgeable about the local market?
If you’re a buyer, it’s critical that your agent understands the local market. This includes the price range for homes in your neighborhood, the type of home you’re looking for and how the market is changing.
It’s also important to know that they are familiar with the current laws and regulations in your area. It’s not a good idea to hire an agent who is unaware of the latest changes in your state’s or city’s real estate laws.
Does they have any special training?
It’s always a good idea to find out if your potential real estate agent has received any special training. This can include specialized education in a particular niche, such as investment properties, senior housing or luxury homes.
