There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to buying or selling a house.
Between finding the perfect house for your needs and the art of getting a great deal or selling your house to the perfect person and getting more than you hoped for, searching for a home can feel like an amazing thrill ride. Of course, finding the perfect real estate agent is a key ingredient to making sure the whole process runs as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
But how do you pick the right agent for your needs? Well, here are some tips to make sure you hire an estate agent who will work for you.
A Broker vs. Agent
Believe it or not, there is a pretty big difference between a real estate broker vs agent. The main difference between the two is the amount of study each requires.
An agent studied for and passed their real estate exam. They can work for either the buyer or seller and receive a commission from the sale. There is a lot of paperwork involved and they need to have excellent communication skills to keep the process rolling along.
Brokers, on the other hand, require further study beyond the basic real estate exam and to take the brokers exam. They need to understand their state’s regulations when it comes to real estate taxes, contracts, ethics, and insurance on top of having some basic knowledge of real estate law, investments, property management, and construction. They are also generally required to have at least three years of being an agent.
While there is more to it than just that, those are the main differences. So, if you’re looking to buy commercial property or a piece of land to build on, you are probably going to want to use a broker.
Personality vs. Experience
Remember, you are going to be spending a lot of time with this person while you make a life-changing purchase. It doesn’t matter if it is your first house or your fifth, it impacts your life.
So, while it might be tempting to hire someone purely based on the number of years they have been in real estate, if you don’t like them, it is going not going to be an enjoyable experience. You need to know the person you hired is going to match your energy level and you like being around, especially when it comes to going to viewings and open houses.
It Is All About Trust
This definitely ties in with the previous section. Trust is key in any relationship. However, when it comes to buying or selling a house, you need to know the person you have chosen to help is actively listening to you and your wants.
One of the best ways to be sure you can trust this person is if they ask you questions about what you want and need and then follow up those questions with more questions. Don’t trust someone who makes big promises without listening to what you are saying. It means they don’t have your best interest at heart.
Take Time to Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent
One final bit of advice, don’t just go with the first person you meet with. Talk to several before you decide and get referrals from friends and family members who recently bought a house. This is a big moment in your life and should be handled with care. You want to find the perfect real estate agent for you and your family.
For more insight on how to make the AZ real estate market work for you, check out our website.
