How to Select the Right Local Real Estate Agent for You
Whether you are buying or selling a home, experienced or new to the game, choosing the right local real estate agent is key to a successful transaction. Not sure what to look for in an agent? Here are the most important skills and characteristics to look for when choosing a real estate agent to work with:
Establishing a trust relationship is key.
You should be able to assess at the first meeting whether the agent is right for you. Did they focus on taking the time to listen carefully to your needs and wants? Did they ask questions to help clarify how to best work together? Did they concentrate on telling you how good they are, how many houses they sell, or credentials they have? If it’s the latter, run away as fast as you can. You are hiring a partner to help you with one of the most significant and possibly stressful transactions you’ll be involved in, and working with someone who you trust to be on your side and represent your interests is critical.
Market knowledge is important.
Can the agent demonstrate an understanding of the current market dynamics and statistics and the housing types and neighborhoods you are interested in? You have to remember that you are paying for insights and consultation. Make sure you get exactly that and that your agent is qualified..
Skills are critical.
Years of experience do not necessarily translate into competency. In both buying and selling a property, it will be important to do a thorough analysis of comparable sales to determine the right listing price or purchase price. If an agent merely says they “feel” the price should be ‘X’, then tell them you “feel” like you should work with someone else. Arguably the most important skill is negotiation ability.One way of testing the water is to ask an agent if they will work for a reduced commission. If they are unable to defend their own value, how on earth will they negotiate when it is your money on the line? Good agents understand their role is to put transactions together, which usually requires that all parties win.
Communication is key.
Establish early on if you are the kind of person who needs more hand-holding or only wants to be communicated with when something important happens. How do you want to be contacted? Phone? E-mail? Text? Does your agent employ all modes of communication? How quickly will they respond to your questions? Do they answer their own phone or do you have to go through a phalanx of assistants to get an answer.
Some of the top producing agents may not have time for you. When you’re in the buying or selling process, do not allow your agent to become invisible. They work for you, and if it is not working for you, let them go. You are in control.
When selecting an agent to assist you in buying or selling a home, take the time to assess if they are the right fit for you and your current needs. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and communicate how you work best together. You’ll be glad you did.