It’s not an easy task to buy or sell a house. It is important to find a real estate agent who has the experience and knowledge to help you navigate this process.
Although there are many real estate agents out there, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. There are also plenty of online advertisements, yard signs, and postcards advertising the position. These tips will help you find the right real estate agent for your needs.
How to find a realtor
1. Before you hire a realty agent, talk to a lender
Homebuyers may hire a realtor to help them with their home search, before ever speaking to a mortgage lender. To learn what you can afford, it’s smart to speak to a lender.
Preapproval for a mortgage allows you to borrow the maximum amount and highlights any issues that need attention early on in the process. It will help you stay focused on homes within your price range and show potential sellers (and Realtors) that you are serious buyers. To get sellers to accept your offer in competitive markets, you will need a preapproval letter.
2. Refer to your network for more information
Ask your family and friends to recommend a professional real estate agent they have had positive experiences with. You want someone who has experience with clients similar to yours. For example, the needs of first-time buyers are different from those of homeowners looking to downsize or repeat buyers.
3. Find potential candidates
Begin by looking at the online presence of an agent. You can check the agent’s website as well as their active social media accounts. You can also check their online reviews. One or two negative reviews are not a problem, but anything more than that could indicate a red flag.
To find out if the agent you are considering is licensed, or has been subject to disciplinary action, make sure you check with your state’s regulator of real estate. To find out if there have been any complaints against the candidates you are interviewing, visit your local Better Business Bureau website.
4. Interview at least three agents in real estate
Interviews are a great way to get to know the agent and their style. You want a realtor who is knowledgeable about the area and can meet your needs.
Interviews also allow you to get to know the agent’s preferred communication method and availability. You’ll find an agent who is happy to visit your homes after hours if you prefer texting to communicate with you.
5. Ask for references and have them checked
Ask agents for information about homes that they have listed and sold within the last year. Also, ask them to give contact information for any recent clients. Ask these clients about their experiences and the support they received throughout the entire process, including the negotiations. Ask them if they would hire the agent again for their next real estate transaction.
6. Follow your gut
As important as their knowledge and experience is, their ability to help you navigate the process smoothly. Trust your agent and feel at ease with them if things get bumpy on the way to closing.
7. Examine your contract closely
The contract should include all terms that you have already agreed to, including the realty commission. The seller typically pays 6 percent of the sale price to be able to pay their agent and a half to the buyer.
Why choosing the right agent for you is important
The right agent can make a big difference in a highly competitive market for real estate. A buyer’s agent who is more familiar with the area will be able to guide you towards the best property within your budget and timeline. You want to find a good listing agent who can effectively market your property and negotiate offers.
