If you are thinking of buying a new home, or maybe it’s time to sell the one that your family shares with friends and loved ones, then contacting an experienced real estate agent like me will be next on your list.
I will outline everything you need to know and share with you how to choose “the one” and what to get from your real estate agent.
Keep reading to confidently choose the right agent who will work hard to get you the best possible price for your home!
What do Real Estate Agents Do
A real estate agent is the person who will help you navigate the murky waters of the housing market. They have extensive real estate market knowledge and can provide expert advice on pricing, negotiating, and closing a potential buyer or seller sale.
Real estate agents are a valuable resource when buying or selling a home. They will be with you every step of your home-buying journey, from open houses and finding future homes that match your needs and budget to negotiating with a buyer or a seller on your behalf. In short, a real estate agent is essential if you want to ensure that you find the perfect home for you and your family.
7 Things To Do Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Hiring a real estate agent is no small task. You’re trusting them with your future and any family members involved in the transaction, so it’s essential to do your research ahead of time. Here are 7 things you should do before hiring a real estate agent:
Get Referrals
The best way to find the right agent for you is by asking those in your life who have experience with them. The first step is to ask your friends, family, and neighbors in your community if they have any recommendations. Once you have a few names, take to the internet and read reviews. See what other people are saying about each agent. This will give you a good sense of what to expect.
Ask about an Agent’s Experience and Credentials
A real estate professional with an established market presence will have instant recognition, which means they’ll be able to sell their homes faster than most other brokers in town!
Real estate professionals or most agents are licensed by the state where they work. You should also check to see that the agent and brokerage are licensed and insured.
Some people are more likely to buy a house when the agent is well-known and has prepared marketing strategies. This can give potential buyers and sellers peace of mind in their home-buying process, knowing they are working with a reputable brand.
You can also ask your agent for referrals from past clients. It may be a red flag if they’re reluctant to do so.
Find out What kind of Support an Agent or Broker will Provide
With so many agents out there, it’s hard to keep track! A good agent will be with you every step, from finding the perfect property and contacting potential buyers to negotiating the best price.
Here are things to look for to help you decide which agent to hire:
- Personalized Service: An excellent real estate agent should take the time to get to know you and understand your needs. They should be available when you need them and are always happy to answer your questions.
- Expertise and Connections: A good agent will have an in-depth knowledge of the local market and be connected with other industry professionals, such as loan officers and home inspectors.
- Honesty and Integrity: When it comes down to it, you need to be able to trust your agent. They should have your best interests at heart and always be upfront with you about potential risks and rewards.
Discuss an Agent’s Commission Structure
Commission structures can be a little tricky to understand, but luckily I’m here for you! The cost of commission rate is the real estate broker’s fee they get paid when selling your home.
Most agents work on this basis – meaning that it’ll depend entirely upon how much of an incentive (or percentage) their clients offer them in return, so make sure before hiring anyone what type or amount will suit your needs and budget best.
Some agents, such as those who are real estate brokers or sell homes themselves in bulk quantities for rent/sale agreements, may earn more than 10%. Still, it’s important to ask about an individualized percentage before hiring them so that you can understand how much money your transaction will bring back!
Identify the Comps
When selling a home, it’s important to have an accurate idea of what your property is worth. This means identifying your area’s comparable properties – or “comps” -. Comparing your home to similar properties on the market will give you a good idea of what price to list your home at.
Your agent can help you identify comps, but it’s also essential to do your research. Look for houses that are similar in size, age, and location. Consider any upgrades or renovations you’ve made to your home. You can also find comps online using services like Zillow or Trulia, as they have real estate brokerage licenses in multiple states.
It’s important to be realistic when identifying comps. If your home is significantly nicer than the properties you’re comparing it to, it will skew your results. It’s best to use a variety of comps from different parts of the market.
Once you have a good idea of what your home is worth, you can start pricing it accordingly.
Schedule Consultations
Once you’ve narrowed your list, it’s time to schedule some consultations. Most real estate agents offer potential clients or buyers a free consultation to get to know each other and see if they would be a good fit.
During these consultations, please pay attention to how well the real estate agent listens to your needs and whether or not they seem genuinely invested in helping you find the right home. Also, be sure to ask plenty of questions! A good agent will be more than happy to answer any questions (or phone calls) you may have.
Here are some questions you can ask your agent:
- What experience do you have in the real estate market?
- What is your understanding of my needs?
- How will you help me find the right home?
- What are your fees, and what services do they include?
- Can you provide referrals from past clients?
- Are you licensed and insured is the most important decision?
Trust your Gut Feeling
When meeting with multiple agents, it’s important to trust your gut feeling. Pay attention to how you feel when you meet with them. Do they seem interested in helping you find a home that meets your needs? Do they seem knowledgeable about the market? Are they easy to communicate?
If an agent seems like a good fit, hire them. If not, keep looking. There’s no need to rush into hiring an agent.
Choose the Right One!
Choosing the right real estate broker with the best real estate agents can be one of those choices that make all other decisions easier. They should have extensive knowledge of the real estate industry or real estate business and can provide expert advice on pricing, negotiating, and closing a sale–even up to your mortgage and moving process!
I know that you’re excited about finding the perfect home for your family, and I’m here to help make sure it happens.
Let’s work together and expect nothing less than the highest commitment, knowledge, and accessibility level. With my extensive knowledge of selling real estate and experience, I will ensure your home search needs and best interest are met.
With me by your side, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible guidance when buying a new home or selling a home.
Feel free to contact me anytime. I am here for you every step of the way!