No matter how many times you have bought a home in the past, buying a new home holds a certain level of thrill. Searching for the perfect home, neighborhood, and finally, closing the deal, are all thrilling experiences. With a good real estate agent who knows all the best stuff, you are sure to make a great buy. But how can you tell which real estate agent is a great fit for you? It is a bit more challenging than one may imagine, picking a real estate agent. This is because there are so many brokerages and agents to choose from.
It cannot be overemphasized that working with an experienced and trustworthy top agent can be the difference between getting a good bargain or making the worst mistake ever. Here are some tips to help you choose the best real estate agent for you.
- Ask for referrals from other homeowners
Technology has helped make most of the job of searching for a home easier, but having a real estate agent is still a human-to-human job. Referrals from homeowners mean you will be getting a real estate agent who is tested and trusted. A happy homeowner will be happy to sing the praises of a real estate agent who did a good job. If you have chosen an area where you want to reside, find out the expert agent of the area. - Do Your Own Research
Go to your proposed neighborhood and look at agent names on real estate signs. Repeated names might be a good sign, a bonus point if the house(s) is (are) sold. You can also go for a nearby open house to see how that agent interacts with potential buyers. Interact with the person yourself and take notes about their personality and professionalism. - Compare Real Estate Agents By Their Ratings, Reviews, and References
The internet has provided us with so much information at our disposal. Best to use it to our advantage. Search for potential real estate agents’ names online and read what people are saying about them. Take note of how they respond to both positive and negative reviews. Also, compare their star ratings. An online review is almost as good as a personal referral. - Get A Real Estate Agent Who Can Mitigate Risks
You want a real estate agent who is honest about what he/she does. Everyone knows there are risks involved in buying and selling. Find an agent who is not afraid to tell you exactly what they are. Beware of flattery. Seek out a realistic individual. A person who uses real data to answer your questions about investment analysis, area-level market performance, and long-term financial impact of a purchase. - Interview Multiple Real Estate Agents
Treat getting a real estate agent like a job interview because it is and you want the best candidate to fill the role. Interview at least three different agents and watch for their personality and if you can work with them.
Finding the perfect home is a big deal and you want to get it right. These tips will help you make the right decision when it is time to choose an agent.