Buying or selling a home can be one of the most significant financial decisions you ever make, and the right real estate agent can mean the difference between a painless process and a nightmare you can’t seem to wake up from. But with more than 1.3 million real estate agents licensed to sell property across the US, how do you decide who’s the best fit? Thankfully, there are plenty of methods to scour the market and find an agent you’ll be comfortable working with. This article will outline 11 proven strategies for finding a real estate agent who can deliver on your goals.
The most obvious place to start when looking for a real estate agent is within your personal network. Word-of-mouth referrals are typically the most reliable, and they can be especially helpful if you’re buying a home or selling your own property. You can ask friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors about their experience with their real estate agent, as well as the general experience they had during the process. Also read https://www.as-ishomebuyer.com/
You should also be sure to take the time to interview prospective realtors before making a decision. A good agent will be more than happy to answer your questions and show you the areas of expertise they bring to the table. Whether you’re buying or selling, you should look for an agent who has extensive experience in your specific locale and price range. You should also inquire about their experience with unique scenarios, like first-time buyers or out of state relocations.
In addition to experience, you’ll want to find an agent who is responsive to your needs and concerns. You should never have to wait more than a few days for an agent to return your phone call or text. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the agent you choose is not a dual agent, as this could create a conflict of interest that may not be in your best interests.
Aside from experience and responsiveness, you’ll also want to find an agent who has a personality and work style that complements yours. For example, you’ll want a buyer’s agent who responds quickly to your requests and is willing to show you houses at times that suit your schedule, and you’ll want a seller’s agent who keeps you updated on properties that might interest you.
Another important factor to consider is an agent’s track record when it comes to completing transactions in a timely manner. You’ll want to find out how many homes they’ve sold and bought in your area, as well as how long each transaction took. You can learn more about an agent’s history by contacting their brokerage firm or going online and entering their license number into a database.
Lastly, you should find out whether an agent has a good reputation in the industry. This can be found through a quick search on the National Association of Realtors website. You should also check your local real estate board’s website for any complaints or disciplinary action that they might have faced in the past.
