When it comes to purchasing property, choosing the right real estate agent can make or break your future home ownership experience. To make sure you are working with the right person, consider these 5 tips for choosing the right agent for your home purchase.
- Ask your peers
If you want to find a good real estate agent, ask your friends and colleagues who they like to use. Chances are, someone will be happy to share their experiences with an agent they’ve worked with in order to help you avoid headaches down the line. We know what you’re thinking—do I really want to listen to my friend complain about their agent? Sure, there may be one or two unpleasant stories floating around among all of them, but also be sure that you’ll hear about plenty of positive agents as well. It’s a quick way to get up-to-date information on which agents have been successful for others. And don’t forget to check online reviews. Sites such as Yelp and Angie’s List can provide you with insight into which agents do a good job. And keep in mind that just because someone has great reviews doesn’t mean they’ll be right for you; make sure to talk to each potential agent so you can get a feel for whether he or she is right for your needs.
- Get referrals
You’re most likely going to be spending a lot of time with your real estate agent, so it pays to choose someone you really like. That said, don’t make your selection solely on personality. It’s vital to pick an agent who has experience in your area and knows what makes a house sell quickly (or sit on the market for a long time). Get referrals from family, friends and co-workers to find out which agents have done well for their clients. Then go through their websites and Facebook pages—and even call them up—to make sure they fit with what you want kampung bloggers in an agent. And if possible, sit down with a few of them for a cup of coffee or tea before choosing one. They should answer all your questions and be eager to show you their past work. A good agent will also ask about your expectations ahead of time so that he or she can match you with a home that fits those needs. If an agent doesn’t take these steps, move on. There are plenty more where they came from!
- Look for an expert
A good real estate agent can make a big difference in your buying experience. They are trained to identify and find property that fits your needs and budget, as well as negotiate with sellers so you get a good deal. But finding a good one doesn’t have to be tricky – there are five tips for choosing an agent that will work for you. A solid reference is always a great place to start, but with all of today’s technology it can be hard to determine if someone is really worth their salt before investing time in them. While searching online may not provide details on personality traits or negotiation skills, it can give you information about how professional they appear on social media and review sites like Yelp or Zillow. If you aren’t sure where to begin, try asking friends or family members for recommendations. If you’re still struggling to decide who would be right for you, search online reviews and see what others have said about past clients. You should also ask agents if they belong to any professional organizations, such as NAR (National Association of Realtors) or CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). These groups require members to pass exams and abide by strict ethical standards.
- Use online search engines
Asking friends and family for recommendations is a good place to start, but ultimately it’s best to trust your gut feeling about who you want representing you. An agent’s work ethic, market knowledge, communication skills and level of experience are important factors in finding an agent who fits well with your personality. You may also want to consider asking agents if they have specialized certifications or education in areas such as marketing or negotiation. A trustworthy real estate agent will let you know upfront what she can do for you and how she can provide value. Be wary of any agent that tries to sell you on her experience and expertise before she knows anything about your needs or wants. It might be worthwhile to research an agent’s background before choosing one—and definitely don’t choose one solely based on a recommendation from someone else unless you’re certain that person has personal knowledge of his abilities and performance history. If possible, meet in person so that you can get a feel for each other. Meeting face-to-face allows both parties to see whether there is chemistry between them and helps ensure that both sides feel comfortable discussing all details related to the sale. Ask plenty of questions during your initial meeting: How long has he been selling homes? What kind of properties does he specialize in? What sets him apart from other agents?
- Trust your gut feeling
When searching for a real estate agent, it’s important to remember that your gut feeling is often as valuable as their past performance. Hiring an agent that you trust is key to having a good home buying experience. Don’t let them rush you through your decision-making process, and don’t take unnecessary risks just because you think it will make them happy. A good real estate agent should want to help you find the right house for your needs so they can earn your trust and future business. You are in control of your purchase, not them. It’s okay to go with someone who has less experience if you feel more comfortable with their personality or style. Just be sure to do your homework before making any final decisions.
