If you’re planning to purchase or sell a property, you may be weighing in on the benefits and drawbacks of employing a real estate agent. You might have heard stories from people you know who would not hire one due to a negative experience in the past. Some choose not to work with realtors or brokers, believing their costs are unreasonably high.
However, these worries only highlight the advantage of finding the right agent. It’s true that even without legally signing on with a real estate agent, anyone can search for a house and even have a look inside. But, unless you have the time and patience to make house hunting an extra job, a reliable realtor may be able to match you with an ideal property, if not your dream home, far more quickly and effortlessly.
For example, you want a home with a pool or a spacious balcony. Perhaps you need a playroom for your kids or a yard for pets. When you’re in the market for specific amenities, a real estate agent can efficiently look for a house that meets your needs and preferences. They can also walk you through the process of moving into a new place.
Selling or buying a property in today’s market entails numerous factors. Clearly, finding a reputable realtor can be challenging. The fact that there are so many real estate agents listed on the internet only makes it tougher to decide whom to choose. Although not all realtors share the same skills, a dependable realtor is capable of wearing many hats throughout the various stages of any transaction.
5 Tips to Find the Best Realtor in Town
The following are some strategies for selecting a top-notch real estate agent:
- Opt for someone who knows the area like the back of their hand
Some realtors have insufficient knowledge of the location they are selling in. They are either unfamiliar with the vicinity or uninformed of the advantages and disadvantages of what they’re offering. This lack of insight makes it impossible for them to deliver an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the different types of real estate property in a particular area.
Some realtors also do not live in the location they are showcasing, providing generic facts that you can quickly get online. Look for a realtor who grew up or lives in the area. Some agents specialize in a particular neighborhood, gated community, or price range, so depending on the specifics you’re looking for, a local knowledgeable about the properties that meet your criteria is preferable.
- Browse reviews and check out realtors with a proven track record
Whether you’re looking for commercial or residential real estate, you should check the realtor’s credentials. Nowadays, finding a real estate agent isn’t as complicated as it once was. As real estate transactions have become more convenient, hiring real estate agents in various locations is becoming increasingly digital.
As your interest in buying a home grows, you may find yourself reading more information on news websites or publications. Realtors that media have quoted in such stories could be worth looking into for your agent search. Requesting referrals from friends and family can also help you find someone who is more dependable and has a proven track record of working with clients.
- Consider the ones who are currently active in the market
A competent agent is someone who is actively listing and selling real estate. They’ll know the market’s pulse and have up-to-date skills and methods for connecting buyers and sellers. Examine their current pipeline after refining your list of probable agents based on previous success.
You want to collaborate with a professional in the business and have a steady stream of projects that proves their trustworthiness among clients. Do they have any pending sales or listings? In the last few months, how many sales did they complete? A simple background check of their real estate career should give you a good indication of their market presence.
- Seek a realtor who can demonstrate sincerity
When it comes to the dangers associated with purchasing or selling decisions, a realtor who truly cares about your best interests will be upfront with you. You want a realtor who will tell you straight when they believe something is a bad idea, not someone who agrees with everything you say.
Carefully evaluate candidates during interviews to see if they use statistics or references to support their statements. In line with that, the potential agent should be willing to show you samples of properties they’ve helped previous clients buy or sell and provide references for past clients.
- Pick a realtor who is accessible and can make you feel comfortable communicating
Throughout the property purchasing process, expect that there will be a lot of back-and-forth discussions. At the end of the day, you’ll need someone you believe you can easily reach and get along with.
Every realtor who strives to be better recognizes how important it is to be accessible. Find a realtor who works around your schedule. It would be even better if you could contact them outside business hours.
Finally, even if a realtor meets your criteria for skill and knowledge, they may not be the ideal fit for you if you don’t get along or feel at ease with them. As you’ll be spending lots of time with your agent during your property search, you need someone receptive to your concerns, able to answer your questions patiently, and willing to share their insights with you.
Be Smart with Your Selection Process
Always think twice and hard before you sign an exclusivity agreement, even if you think you’ve found the best realtor in town. Real estate is a complex yet lucrative industry, so researching is imperative to ensure you get the most out of your property investment.
Remember that the ideal realtor will give you the facts, even if it means jeopardizing any deal. A competent agent will also make a way to prioritize your needs over their own.
Author Bio
Rose Flores
Rose is a licensed real estate broker and the co-founder of RE/MAX Gold Philippines, a real estate company in the Philippines. Acting and real estate have always been her passions since childhood. She confidently helps close record-breaking deals for residential and commercial buyers while leading her team to success. Check out their website at remaxgold.ph.
It really helped when you elaborated on choosing a realtor that communicates with us. My cousin wants to hire a realtor to sell her house and invest in luxury apartments before the year ends. I think she’d be interested in reading your insight about finding an agent who makes us feel comfortable and heard.