Before Picking a Real Estate Agent
In our article, “Tips for Picking a Real Estate Agent — Part I,” we discussed the importance of doing your homework. Before you pick a Realtor, it helps to find out what they’ve listed and sold in the past twelve months, verify licensing and disciplinary action with state boards. It’s important to look for agents with the proper credentials, a good reputation, and possibly those who have received local and state awards.
In “Tips for Picking a Real Estate Agent — Part II,” we’ll discuss additional tips for deciding on the most well-suited person to find or list your home.
Check Out Local Real Estate Firms
In every town, there are well-known real estate agencies. It’s good to see what’s available. Here are a few real estate brokerages you may want to start with:
You can also look on the National Association of Realtors (NAR) website and search for members in your area. You’ll find an extensive list of real estate professionals.
The Best Real Estate Agent has Experience
There’s no substitute for experience. To pick the right agent, find out how long they’ve been in business. You can find this information from the state licensing authority. Or just ask them.
An agent who has been in business less than five years might not be to your benefit. But, there are exceptions.
For example, if a junior agent has a senior broker’s help and support, you may find they have more time to spend with you. Plus, you get the experience of the broker. In that case, it could be a good fit.
Look for an actively engaged agent in your area and your price range. So, if you’re looking for a fixer – don’t go with an agent specializing in luxury listings just because they’re a top producer. Find an agent that likes selling fixers and can give you good – sound advice.
Also, keep in mind that some agents work with both buyers and sellers. And they do a great job.
By looking on Trulia, Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, you can see what agents are active in the neighborhoods you’re interested in.
You’re paying for an agent’s knowledge and expertise, so do your homework.
Look at Current Listings
Another tip for picking a real estate agent is to look at their current listings. You can do this by checking out an agent’s website.
A website says a lot about a person or business. Ideally, you want an agent who uses their website as an effective marketing tool. But, keep in mind some experienced agents who do a great job – are just better at face-to-face marketing.
So if their site isn’t the greatest, don’t let that deter you from using them. In the end, you’ll have to weigh everything you find to decide who is the right choice.
When you’re on the agent’s website, look at their listings to see how closely they mirror the property you’re looking to buy or sell. Are the listed properties in the same area as yours? Are they in a similar price range?
The number of listings is important too. The agent should have enough listings to indicate a healthy business but not so many that you’ll just be a number, and they’ll be too busy to pick up the phone when you call.
Friends & Family Real Estate Agent Referrals
When asking for a referral, it’s best to ask someone who has recently bought or sold a home. Everyone has an aunt, uncle, sister, or brother who’s an agent. Many of which could be part-time.
You need a full-time seller’s agent or buyer’s agent who’s available when you need them.
And you especially don’t want to feel obligated to someone who isn’t a good fit when choosing an agent. That’s why it’s pretty safe to ask your friends and family you know who have recently moved or sold who they used.
Ask them how their real estate transaction went. Was it smooth or trouble? You’ll get an honest answer. Also, ask them if they’d use the same Realtor again. If you’re on social media, you can ask who’s recently bought or sold in your area and who was their agent.
But, it’s always good to do a little research on your own before getting personal referrals. That way, you can weigh your choices. And remember, someone that worked for an uber-rich friend who just bought a multi-million dollar home might not be the best fit if you’re looking for a fixer or entry-level home and have very little to put down.
Do Your Homework – Then Ask
Finally, be sure and ask potential real estate agents about other houses for sale nearby. A good agent will know about properties available in your area off the top of their head.
But before you ask them, be sure you’ve done your homework. Familiarize yourself with a house in your area that’s recently sold or is currently for sale, and ask the agent if they know the property. A good agent should be familiar and be able to give you a few details.
That will show that they are on top of the market. It’s easy for someone to put their best foot forward and look good overall. But by asking specific questions, you might uncover they’re not as good or experienced as they say they are.
Let Homestead Financial Help
Whether you’re buying or selling, give us a call. We’re here to help. Plus, we know that finding the best real estate agent can be a challenge. So, let us know if you’d like a few recommendations in your area.
Homestead Financial Mortgage’s low-interest home loans are some of the best in the states we serve. We service Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. Contact us today to learn more about the home loan products we offer that are right for you.