Choosing the right real estate agent is an important decision for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. A good agent can help you navigate the complex process of buying or selling a property while a bad agent can make the experience frustrating and stressful. Here are some tips to help you choose the right real estate agent for you.
The first step in choosing a real estate agent is to do your research. Look for agents who have experience working in the area where you want to buy or sell a property. You can do this by searching online or by asking for recommendations from friends or family members who have worked with agents in the past. Make sure that they have sold multiple properties in your area in the last 12 months! I can't tell you how many times I have dealt with an over-confident and ignorant agent who does not have experience in the area they are in. It hurts their clients, and other parties in the transaction can sense the inexperience.
Once you have a list of potential agents, take the time to meet with each one in person. This will give you a chance to get a sense of their personality, communication style, and level of professionalism. It's important to work with an agent who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to represent your interests. Ask them questions that are important to you and see how they respond. Are they dismissive? Are they attentive? Do they give you other perspectives to consider or data on what your question is?
Ask potential agents for references from past clients. This will give you a sense of their track record and their level of expertise. You can also check online reviews and ratings to see what other clients have said about their experience working with the agent. You can check out some reviews for me on my website or ask for some more in person.
Look for an agent who has a strong marketing plan for your property (I think this is the most important item). This should include a detailed strategy for advertising your property to potential buyers, as well as a plan for pricing and staging your home to attract the right buyers. A good agent should be able to provide you with a clear and detailed plan for selling your property. How is your property going to stand out when compared to others? Is the agent going to do a full 3d virtual tour (I do...)? Do they do professional photography (I do....)? Do they do marketing videos (I do....)? Do they use a drone for photography (I do....)? Do they provide you a comprehensive cma for your property highlighting the positives and negatives of your home (I do...)?
Make sure that the agent you choose has strong negotiation skills. Buying or selling a property can be a complex and emotional process, and it's important to have an agent who can advocate for your interests and negotiate on your behalf. Look for an agent who has a proven track record of successful negotiations. An agent needs to stay calm and thoughtful during a negotiation; they can become emotional. The strength in negotiation is the data that the agent is working with so make sure that you find an agent with extensive market knowledge and information. You know, like me!
Choose an agent who is responsive and available. Real estate transactions can move quickly, and it's important to have an agent who is available to answer your questions and provide guidance when you need it. Look for an agent who responds promptly to phone calls, emails, and text messages.
Finally, make sure that the agent you choose is licensed and has a good reputation in the industry. You can check with your state's real estate board to ensure that the agent you choose is properly licensed and has no disciplinary actions or complaints against them.
Choosing the right real estate agent is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your buying or selling experience. Take the time to do your research, meet with potential agents in person, and look for someone who has experience, strong marketing skills, strong negotiation skills, availability, and a good reputation in the industry. By doing so, you can ensure that you have a successful and stress-free buying or selling experience. I make all of these characteristics a priority in my business, and I would love to have the opportunity to work with you on the sale or purchase of your next home. Please reach out to me at [email protected] or at 214-450-7856 to discuss your next steps!
