A good real estate agent will have trustworthy recommendations, an effective game plan for your home search or sale and extensive knowledge of the local market. You should also make sure that they have a license and have not received any complaints.
Asking questions like “How many homes have you sold/bought in the past year?” can help you find an experienced agent with your best interests in mind!
Know What You Want
Your real estate agent should have your best interests at heart, but they should also understand what that means to you. For example, if your agent is always pushing you to see more homes than you can handle or pressuring you to make hasty decisions, they may not be the right fit for you.
You should also be able to count on your agent to return your phone calls or emails in a timely manner. If they never seem to have a minute to speak with you or have a slew of other commitments that keep them away, this could be a red flag.
If you’re considering hiring a new real estate agent, ask friends and family members for recommendations. Additionally, you can vet potential agents by searching for their licenses on Arello and checking with your state’s real estate commission or board for disciplinary actions. This information can help you find an agent who will truly have your best interests in mind.
Look For Experience
When interviewing agents, ask them how long they’ve been in the business. Then ask them to provide a list of homes they’ve sold in the past year and contact information for those clients.
A good agent will be familiar with the neighborhood, what’s on the market and how quickly similar properties sell. She’ll also know how to price homes competitively and what challenges buyers or sellers may face in a given market.
She’ll also be able to save you time by eliminating homes that don’t meet your needs. And she’ll know how to negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible deal.
Another good sign is if an agent takes the time to answer your questions. If she doesn’t, it’s a sign that she’s not focused on your real estate goals.
Ask For Recommendations
Many people find their real estate agents through referrals from family and friends. This can be a great way to get an insider’s perspective, but you should be careful about using this method alone. Your friends and family may have different financial circumstances, or they might prefer to live in a neighborhood that’s not right for you. Plus, if someone comes highly recommended, it’s important to put them through the same vetting process as everyone else.
Your agent should be familiar with the neighborhoods you’re interested in buying a home in. If she doesn’t make it a point to tell you about things like commute times, school systems, and potential issues with homes in that area, it’s a sign that she isn’t gunning for your best interests.
You can also use online tools to vet agents in your area before choosing one. For example, Zillow’s Agent Finder tool allows you to search for agents in your area and compare reviews and numbers of home sales.
Do Your Research
Even if you have a front-runner based on a referral or local reputation, don’t be afraid to interview other agents. It’s important to ask key vetting questions like how they plan to market your home, their experience and more. It’s also a good idea to ask how many clients they typically work with at once as that can affect their availability.
In addition, don’t be afraid to check out an agent’s credentials online. This can include their real estate license, certifications and associations (like the National Association of Realtors), as well as disciplinary actions from your state’s real estate commission or board.
Once you’ve found a real estate agent you trust, the rest of the home buying or selling process should be stress-free. For more helpful tips on finding the right real estate agent for you, read 23 Legal’s full article here. Good luck! And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team for guidance.
