It’s essential to find the best real estate agent for your needs. You’ll work closely with this person weekly (if not daily), and they’ll play an instrumental role in buying or selling your home.
Interview multiple agents before committing to one. Look for a local agent with experience selling your type of property and neighborhood, and weigh their overall experience against their local expertise.
Experience
When it comes to buying or selling a home, experience is critical. You want a real estate agent who has successfully closed many deals and is familiar with your desired area. Ask potential agents how long they have been in the business, and look for third-party reviews online.
Real estate agents like Loretta Maimone also have formal credentials, such as the Accredited Buyer’s Representative or Certified Residential Specialist designations. Check their website for these and other certifications, awards, and accolades they have received.
It would help if you also asked potential agents about their specific market experience and whether they have worked with buyers or sellers in your unique scenario. For example, someone other than the agent who helped you buy your first home may be a better fit to sell your rural property. Also, there are better choices than an agent specializing in condo sales to help you purchase a single-family home. This is because the needs of these two groups are quite different.
Responsiveness
Real estate can be a complex and sometimes difficult process. The appropriate real estate agent can guide buyers and sellers through the complexities of purchasing or selling. This can include assisting with financing, negotiating, and even helping to arrange repairs or inspections. Whatever the kind of property, the ideal Realtor will be on hand to address any queries or worries that may come up.
A Realtor’s responsiveness is essential to consider when interviewing potential agents. This includes how quickly they respond to emails and phone calls and their availability to meet with clients. It’s also a good idea to ask about their workload, as an agent who takes on too much may need help to be practical.
It’s also a good idea to look at reviews online before choosing a Realtor for your real estate needs. This can give you a better idea of how they work with clients and their level of professionalism.
Knowledge of the Market
Whether you’re selling or buying, your Realtor should have a solid understanding of your local market. This means they can give you detailed information about your neighborhood, such as how long homes stay on the market and whether they sell above or below the asking price.
Determining how much experience an agent has in your market is also essential. They may need more than a few years of experience to guarantee expertise, but they should have experience working with buyers and sellers with similar needs. For example, if you’re looking to buy a home in an HOA-controlled community, your Realtor should be able to provide insight into the fees and regulations.
Ask your potential Realtor about their sales history in the past year and for references from previous clients. Check their licensing and credentials to ensure they’re qualified for your real estate transaction. It would help if you also interviewed multiple agents before committing to one.
Communication
Real estate brokers must pay attention to and comprehend the needs of their clients. This helps them provide a better service and ensures the client is happy with their experience. It also allows them to offer the best advice and help clients find properties that meet their goals.
In addition, real estate agents must keep their clients informed throughout the process. Emails, texts, or phone calls can be used for this. They should also respond to inquiries promptly. Consider another option if an agent is tricky to reach or doesn’t return your call quickly.
When choosing a realtor, it’s essential to take the time to interview several candidates. Ask about their experience, credentials, and marketing strategies. Also, ask for references from past clients. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from the candidate and whether or not they are a good fit for your needs.
