Making the decision to buy a new home or sell your current one is a big step. While it might seem like a simple process on the surface, navigating the real estate market on your own is more difficult than you might think. You’ll want to work with an experienced real estate agent from the very beginning.
However, finding a great real estate agent can take time. Here’s what you need to know about how to find a real estate agent so you can start the buying or selling process quickly.
The basics
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There’s more to finding a real estate agent than simply choosing the first person you find through a Google search. You need to choose the right type of real estate professional to help with your unique situation. This means knowing the basics about the industry and the types of professionals you may want to work with.
Agents vs. brokers
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockA real estate agent is licensed within the state and interacts directly with their clients, helping to manage and oversee the entire buying or selling process. A real estate broker is a more experienced real estate agent that has specific qualifications and licensure that allows them to supervise other real estate agents at a firm. They may take on individual clients, but often, they act as a support system for more junior agents.
Realtors
Realtors must enroll in continuing education classes and pass a comprehensive exam in addition to meeting the basic requirements to become a real estate agent in their area. They are also a current member of the NAR. Both agents and realtors can help buyers and sellers, but realtors often have more experience and insight into the local market.
Buyers’ agents vs. listing agents
Photo courtesy of PexelsA buyer’s agent helps prospective buyers find properties that match their needs and their budgets. They advocate on behalf of the buyer and manage negotiations with sellers. Listing agents help prospective sellers put their homes up for sale and negotiate on behalf of the seller with the buyer’s agent.
How to find a real estate agent
Now that you understand the basics, you’re ready to start thinking about finding an experienced real estate professional to help you with your home purchase or home sale. Here are a few questions you’ll want to ask when you start contacting different agents.
What experience do they have?
The best real estate agents have years of experience helping clients like you buy or sell their homes. When contacting a prospective agent, find out how much experience they have. If they’re new to the industry, find out if a real estate broker will be helping them. If not, you may want to keep looking.
Do they have an assistant, or do they handle things on their own?
Photo courtesy of PexelsReal estate agents are busy, so you want to ensure someone can answer your questions throughout the process. Find out how many clients the agent will be working with. If it’s more than a couple, ask if they have an assistant who will help you stay up to date.
What do they expect in commission fees?
Different agents charge different commission rates based on the services they perform and their experience in the industry. In most cases, the commission for both the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent is paid by the seller. It’s a good idea to make sure the commission your agent charges is reasonable.
What do their past clients say about them?
The best way to make sure a real estate agent is well-qualified to help you is to find out what their previous clients have to say about their services. Ask each agent you’re considering for references, and follow up with those references. If most of their previous clients were happy with the treatment they received, you’d likely have the same positive experience.
What to look for in a buyer’s agent
A buyer’s agent is responsible for looking out for the buyer’s best interests throughout the entire home-buying process. When looking for an agent to represent you as a buyer, make sure they will do the following things.
They’ll help you stick to your budget
Your home-buying budget should be a firm range. Reputable and trustworthy buyers’ agents will only show you homes that fit within your budget. If your agent insists on showing you properties that are well outside of your price range, they’re likely only trying to get a large commission from the sale. Make sure the agent you choose asks about your budget and promises only to show you homes that fit that price range.
They’ll manage negotiations with the seller
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockYour real estate agent acts as your go-between with the seller and the listing agent. If a real estate agent tells you that they won’t or can’t help with negotiations, keep looking. Qualified buyers’ agents are always willing to negotiate on your behalf.
They’ll help you understand the market
Photo courtesy of UnsplashMarket conditions can change quickly. Great buyers’ agents will take the time to explain how many homes are available and how stiff the competition is for properties like the ones you’re interested in.
Things to look for in a seller’s agent
The seller’s agent is responsible for helping the seller get a fair price for their home and ensuring that buyers are aware of everything the property has to offer. Before you choose your agent, make sure they’re willing to do the following:
They’ll handle the marketing
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockAs a seller, you don’t have time to worry about taking pictures of your property and posting “for sale” ads across the internet. Experienced and trustworthy sellers’ agents should handle all the property listing efforts and marketing for you. If an agent tells you that they don’t have time to market your property or maintain listings online, keep looking.
They’ll help you prepare your home for showings
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Staging your home is essential. It helps buyers picture themselves and their belongings in your space. The right real estate agent can tell you what to do to get your home ready for showings so you won’t feel like you’re on your own.
They’ll help you identify a fair asking price
The key to selling your home quickly is asking a reasonable price for the property. Great real estate agents know what homes like yours are selling for and what buyers are willing to pay. They’ll help you set a fair asking price so you can close on the sale as quickly as possible.
They’ll know about comparable listings in your area
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockAre you unsure what your home is worth? The best real estate agents know what sellers have gotten for homes like yours in your neighborhood and other parts of the city. This can help you better understand what you may get for your home and how quickly it may sell.
Finding the right real estate agent is a must
Figuring out how to find a real estate agent is the first essential step in buying or selling a home without all the stress. Take your time, and make sure the real estate agent you’re considering can help you with every step of the home-buying or home-selling process. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to an experienced real estate agent like those at Boutique Real Estate today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
