What To Consider When Hiring A Real Estate Agent
Buying or selling a home is stressful, and that’s why most people don’t do it alone. That’s where a real estate agent comes in, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to do a great job. You’re not alone if you’re unsure of what to consider when finding a real estate agent.
When finding a real estate agent, you must consider their reputation, experience, and availability. Some people prefer esteemed firms with many people, whereas others feel that independent agents will prioritize them more. Think about how any given realtor can help maximize your home’s potential and boost its visibility to ensure it sells quickly.
During the spring and summer, you’ll likely struggle to find a real estate agent who isn’t juggling many clients. You could always wait until the off-season, but homes don’t sell as quickly then. Follow along as we explore what to consider when hiring a real estate agent.
What To Consider When Looking For A Realtor
1. Look Into Their Reputation
Real estate is a personal business, as buyers and sellers must trust the agents they work with. Throughout the process of buying or selling a home, you will likely talk to your real estate agent a lot. Because of this personal relationship, finding detailed feedback about a real estate agent is quite easy.
Many real estate agents leave strong impressions on their clients, many of whom write online reviews. Before hiring a real estate agent, it’s important to read as many reviews as possible. Pay special attention to ones from the last few years, as they will be the most relevant. It’s also a good idea to ask around, especially if you live in a tight-knit community. This is easiest in a small town, but you should at least find some personal reports, no matter where you live. Compare online reviews and word-of-mouth feedback for several real estate agents you’re considering.
2. Learn About Their Operation
Today, you can choose between huge real estate firms, independent agents, and everything in between. This can make hiring a real estate agent a bit harder than it initially seems due to the huge competition. However, it’s important to do your homework, as operation size can have an impact on your home-buying or selling experience.
Independent real estate agents are more likely to have as much to give you as possible. This can help reduce wait times and streamline communication when you need your questions answered. However, these real estate agents sometimes have fewer resources than large firms. It’s easier to vet a large firm than an independent real estate agent, but that doesn’t mean one is better than the other. However, big firms sometimes overbook themselves, and you may face longer waits. Think about whether you want a large, corporatized real estate firm or a smaller, more personable agent.
3. Ask About Their Marketing Plans
Marketing is everything in real estate, especially when you’re selling a house. The goal is to get as many people to see your home as possible to ensure it doesn’t sit on the market for too long. Many real estate agents use all available methods to sell a home, but that’s not always the case. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask the candidates you’re considering about their marketing goals.
This can give you an idea of how motivated they are to sell your home, and you can see if your goals align. You may want to think twice before hiring a realtor who isn’t willing to use many online resources. Today, most people discover houses and apartments for sale or rent online rather than in newspapers. That means you should look for real estate agents who embrace modern marketing tools. Doing so can help improve your home’s visibility and expedite the process.
4. Consider What They Can Do For Your Property
When selling a home, there’s always a chance that you’ll realize the property is lacking something. Sometimes, it takes an honest real estate agent to point out flaws and help you do what it takes to fix them. That’s why it’s worth considering a real estate agent’s willingness to help you and your home go the extra mile.
When interviewing real estate agents, it’s a good idea to ask them about their first impressions of your home. That’s especially true if you already know your home needs some attention before it sells. An honest real estate agent will mention the flaws and even suggest some solutions. However, some realtors understandably may hesitate to get specific until you hire them. Even still, you should focus your attention on candidates who are willing to maximize your home’s potential. If you know your home lacks something and a realtor refuses to mention it, they simply may not be dedicated enough.
5. Prioritize Transparency
Letting someone sell your home for you is a big step, and it requires a lot of trust. The relationship between you and your real estate agent will only work if everything is out in the open. That’s why it’s importantto consider whether or not potential real estate agents are honest. For example, someone dancing around direct questions should raise a big red flag. Of course, they may not be able to answer some questions right away, however, they should at least keep you updated and stay honest throughout the process.
Real estate agents who freely offer market data and explain their fees right away are probably more trustworthy. Be wary of a real estate agent who hides and downplays costs. It’s also important to look at realtors who are willing to be honest about your home’s pros and cons. Highlighting downsides is just as important as highlighting the pros.
6. Verify Their Experience
Today, it’s harder than ever for someone to pretend to be an esteemed expert in any given field. That’s because anyone with a smartphone or computer can quickly go online and verify someone’s claims. This applies to real estate agents as well, as you can easily look into their background online.
In a perfect world, this wouldn’t be necessary, but it’s nice to be able to verify someone’s claims just to be safe. For example, you may interview a real estate agent and think someone seemed off throughout the conversation. You can go online and make sure they’ve been in business as long as they claimed to have been. You can also go online to make sure certain candidates are licensed, as that’s essential. You don’t need to do full background checks on every real estate agent you encounter, however, it should be comforting that it’s an option if you don’t trust someone.
7. Make Sure You’re Their Typical Clientele
Some real estate agents go back and forth between representing buyers and sellers. This doesn’t mean they do a lesser job with either, but it’s good to know. You may want to work with a real estate agent who primarily works with sellers if you’re selling your home. Doing so ensures that you’ll work with someone who goes through these exact steps all the time. Agents who represent buyers and sellers are great as well, but some people want an agent who specializes in one or the other.
8. How Busy Are They?
Depending on the time of year, you may have a hard time finding a real estate agent who isn’t very busy. Spring and summer are peak real estate times, as many people buy and sell homes before the fall and winter. During this time, you may struggle to find a eal estate agent who isn't juggling multiple clients.
Keep in mind that having multiple clients doesn’t necessarily mean the realtor will do a bad job. However, it’s okay if you prefer working with someone who will dedicate all their time to you. Don’t hesitate to ask real estate agents how busy they are to get an idea of their commitments. You can even ask how their shcedule will affect you and your home. That said, there’s no need to write someone off just because they have other clients.
9. Think About Whether They’re Necessary
Most sellers need a real estate agent to help them navigate the market. However, that’s not necessarily the case if you already have a direct buyer set up. In that case, selling a house without a realtor may be the right thing for you. Keep in mind that you would still need a lawyer and must learn as much about the process as possible.
That way, you can stay compliant and avoid fees and penalties, which can be devastating. Selling a house without a realtor is only advisable if someone already offered to buy your house. This is common for people who plan to sell their homes to friends and family members. If that doesn’t apply to you, then you should hire a real estate agent. That way, you can ensure the process goes swiftly, smoothly, and without problems.
Summing It Up
Read online reviews for the real estate agents you’re considering to get an idea of their reputation. It’s also important to ask how busy they are and see what kind of marketing tactics they plan to use. Make sure the real estate agent is licensed, experienced, and willing to dedicate lots of time and resources to you.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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