The 5 Best Tips for Choosing a Real Estate Agent

1. Ensure you are prepared

It will be easier for you to find an agent if you are prepared and know what you want.

Obtaining preapproval for a mortgage in advance is advisable for buyers. To qualify for a mortgage, according to Brobeck, is crucial for the buyer. Many of the greatest agents won’t be all that interested in you if you haven’t already [pre]qualified for a mortgage, according to the author. When you know how much home you can afford, you can speak with agents who are familiar with the kinds of properties in your price range. If you’re a seller, you may look up your home’s valuation and anticipated selling time on websites like Zillow or Redfin.com.

Selecting Browse for homes for sale in Courtice with an agent can also be aided by knowing what area of the real estate market your property falls into, such as starter or investment properties. Working with someone who has solely dealt with first-time purchasers may not be a good idea if you’re selling your family’s holiday property.

2. Obtain recommendations from friends and family

A smart way to start your search for an agent is through your current network. When looking for an agent, you’ll want to interview several people. Unbiased real estate agent recommendations can be found from family, friends, and coworkers who recently bought or sold a home.

Although you should take these reviews of nearby agencies with a grain of salt, you can look at them online. There is a positive bias there, according to Brobeck, since “almost all of those reviews are provided indirectly by the agents themselves.” If you’re selling a house, you can also consider checking out an agent’s social media profiles as a marketing tool. 

According to Karin Carr, a licenced realtor and the CEO of Georgia Coast Homes, “You can get a decent feel about someone based on the type of things that they’re publishing on Facebook and Instagram and decide whether or not that’s someone that you would actually entrust with your very significant assets.”

3. Identify an active and experienced person in your area.

Ask agents about their experience in the field and whether they work in real estate full- or part-time throughout the interview process. If someone conducts this as a side business, Carr worries, What if they are working at their full-time job while you are supposed to look at residences, asks Carr. 

You can also ask to see a list of previous transactions to see what kinds of properties and geographic locations the person has expertise with in order to get a better understanding of their level of experience.

You need a buyer or seller who is familiar with the intricacies of the neighborhood market. Additionally, having someone who resides quite close to the area where you’re buying or selling can be beneficial. Carr says, “I would pick someone local, but within reason, it doesn’t have to be someone who lives in that particular subdivision.” The availability of your agent for last-minute showings may be constrained if they are many hours distant.

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4. Match your personality with a person who meets your needs

The correct personality match is a significant factor in why it’s crucial to meet and interview several real estate agents before selecting one to deal with. There is a benefit to conducting a face-to-face interview rather than a phone interview, according to Brobeck. I’d seek elsewhere if they won’t make the effort to do a personal interview. It’s critical to have confidence in your agent and know you can count on them to help you when difficulties arise.

The appropriate agent can also guide you through the emotional aspects of buying a home. This transaction may be quite stressful. Especially if you’ve never done it before, there will be a lot of money exchanged, adds Carr. You should collaborate with a person whose knowledge and working style match your requirements.

Make sure that your agent is able to satisfy your expectations by being upfront and open with them. Carr says, “I have a friend who said he doesn’t work on Sundays.” He always begins by saying, “I simply want to be really straight with you,” whenever he meets a new client. Sundays are my off days. If there will be a problem with that. Let’s discuss it.”

5. Keep an eye on what you’re giving and receiving

Once you’ve identified the person with whom you wish to work, you’ll typically need to put that pledge in writing. A listing agreement for a seller normally lasts for six months, whereas an exclusivity contract with a real estate firm typically lasts for three months. However, these contracts can be as long as you need them to be dependent on the market and your needs. Just make sure that you feel comfortable with the commitment’s length.

The standard agency fee for real estate agents is between 5% and 6% of the sale price. However, if you’re a buyer, there will be no out-of-pocket expenses for you. The seller often splits this cost between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent once the house sells.

According to Brobeck, you can compare prices or haggle agency costs. Even if the commission % is slightly reduced when the home’s value is high, the overall dollar amount of the fee can still be considerable. The lowest price, however, might not necessarily be the option that is ideal for you. 

What you charge and what you do with that money should be the main questions, not how much you charge. Carr argues. A lesser commission could mean less of an effort will be made to sell your house because the costs of promoting a home are covered by the agent’s commission. Make sure you comprehend not only what you’re paying but also what you’re getting when you’re negotiating the charge.