When you’re buying or selling a home, a good real estate agent can make the process more efficient and less stressful. But finding the right one can be difficult, especially in a challenging housing market where there aren’t many homes available. The right real estate agent can help you navigate the complex process of a home sale or purchase, while keeping your best interests at the forefront of every decision.
Word of mouth referrals are the most common way people find their agents, and they can be a great starting point for your search. Reach out to your personal and professional network to ask for recommendations, and try to get a referral from someone who has had experience buying or selling their own home recently. Read more https://www.joehomebuyertriadgroup.com/
You can also start your search on online review sites, such as Zillow or Yelp. Look for reviews from past clients, and pay special attention to how recent the reviews are. The real estate industry is always changing, and new technology has reshaped how buyers and sellers interact, so it’s important to keep an eye on reviews as they change over time.
Another question you’ll want to ask potential agents is what their average listing and sales prices are. This is a great way to see how much market knowledge they have, as well as how experienced they are in your specific area. For example, if you’re looking in a neighborhood with high property values, you’ll want to be sure the agent has experience handling those types of transactions.
It’s also a good idea to consider an agent’s level of education and licensing. Licensure requires a significant amount of coursework and an exam, so it’s important to check with your state’s real estate commission website to find out what qualifications are needed to become licensed.
In addition, be sure to check an agent’s client ratings and home closing statistics on their websites. These can give you an idea of how satisfied their clients are with their work and whether they’re a good fit for your needs.
Also, be sure to ask about any fees that may be involved. For example, in New York City, a partner agent earns 5-6% of the selling price of a home, which comes out of the seller’s proceeds at closing. Some brokers charge additional fees to cover their marketing and advertising costs, so be sure to find out these details before you sign with an agent.
Finally, it’s a good idea to interview multiple agents before you make a choice. Ask each to explain how they would approach the home-selling or buying process, and try to gauge whether their personalities are a good fit for yours. You’ll also want to discuss how much time they spend on each type of transaction and whether you’d be comfortable with their communication style.
After all, your real estate agent will be with you through the entire process, and you want to be certain you’ll get along.