Did you know that there are more than two million real estate agents working in the United States today? Are you in need of a local real estate expert who can help you buy or sell a home? Do you want to make sure you’re working with the most qualified buyers agents for the job?
If you’re getting ready to buy a new home or sell your current home and need a professional’s assistance, keep reading. Listed below are some tips that will help you with the comparison process and ensure you’re choosing the best real estate agent.
Check Their Credentials
When figuring out how to find real estate agents, one of the first things you ought to keep in mind is their credentials. Before you start comparing different agents, do some digging to learn more about their background and training.
For starters, make sure you’re working with someone who’s a Realtor, not just a real estate agent. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors. To be part of this group, they must have agreed to abide by a particular code of ethics.
Consider whether or not your Realtor has other designations, too. The following are some good ones to ask about:
Certified Residential Specialist: This means they’ve completed training related to handling residential real estate matters, specifically
Accredited Buyer’s Representative: This means they’ve completed training related to representing homebuyers during transactions
Seniors Real Estate Specialist: This means they’ve completed training related to helping buyers and sellers who are 50 years of age or older
Certifications aren’t the end-all-be-all, of course. They can be a good sign, though, and an indicator that your agent takes their job seriously.
Look into Their Online Presence
These days, nearly all real estate professionals have some kind of online presence. Lots of agents use tools like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to promote their businesses, showcase listings, and attract clients. When you’re considering different agents, take a look at their online profiles, and consider whether or not you like what you see.
Look into the agents’ online reviews, too. Are people generally happy with and saying positive things about their experience?
Remember, one or two negative reviews usually aren’t a big deal. If the majority of the reviews are unfavorable, though, that’s a big red flag.
Talk to at Least Three People
Don’t settle for the first Realtor you meet. Talk to at least three different people before you make a final decision. This gives you a chance to compare and contrast different candidates and find someone who’s a good fit for you, specifically.
When you’re talking to potential agents, pay special attention to their communication style and how you get along with them. You’re going to be working very closely with this person, after all, so it’s important to ensure you like them.
Request and Check References
Always ask for references from any real estate professional you’re thinking about hiring. Then, check those references.
When you’re talking to each agent’s references, ask them about their experiencing buying or selling a home. Were they satisfied with the work the Realtor provided? Would they work with them again in the future?
Prioritize Good Customer Service
Customer service is important in just about every industry, including real estate. When comparing different agents, take note of how they approach the customer service portion of their job.
For example, how long does it typically take them to return phone calls, emails, and text messages? Do they guarantee that they’ll respond within a certain amount of time?
Consider their honesty, too. Do they seem like the type to sugarcoat things and gloss over problems, or will they address them head-on? When you’re doing something as important as buying or selling a house, you need someone who is totally honest and upfront right from the start.
Review Contracts Carefully
Ask for a copy of each agent’s contract and look over it carefully before you sign anything. This will help you get a clear idea of each person’s approach, and it’ll be easier for you to spot anything problematic.
Pay special attention to their cancellation policies, too. Can you cancel if you’re not happy with their service without having to pay a hefty fee? If an agent locks you into a complex contract that allows them an out but doesn’t give you one, that’s another red flag.
Look for Someone Local
In general, it’s a good idea to compare the best local real estate agents in the area in which you’re hoping to move. A local agent will have a better understanding of the market and will have an easier time helping you find a home and neighborhood that meet your specific needs.
Find out about the areas in which the agent you’re considering typically works. Ask, too, about how many houses in the area they’ve sold. Ideally, they’ll have been working in the area for a while, will have sold lots of houses, and will have extensive knowledge that helps you make the best decision.
Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your gut. At the end of the day, you’re the only one who can decide if a particular Realtor is a good fit for you.
If someone seems great on paper but still gives you a strange vibe, don’t brush that off. Your gut feeling could end up saving you a lot of money later on.
Find the Best Real Estate Agent Today
Now that you know more about what to look for in a real estate agent and how to choose the best real estate professional for the job, it’s time to start your search. Keep the information outlined above in mind and you’ll find that it’s much easier to compare and contrast the various options available to you.
If you’re looking for more advice on buying or selling a home, be sure to check out some of the other real estate articles on our site today. We have tons of helpful resources available that will provide you with all the information you need!
