Tuesday, January 16, 2018

What to look for when choosing a realtor

Buying real estate is not a decision or an investment to be taken lightly. You want to choose the right location, property and, overall, make a good investment for your money. You can go it alone, but it might be worth the time to connect with a good real estate agent. 

Image credit: Leigh Goessl
Since the seller typically pays all the agent’s commission fees, the buyer really has nothing to lose by choosing a realtor, so why not hire a professional to help navigate the sometimes rocky property purchasing waters? 

That being said, there are many important things to look for when choosing a good agent. You want to make sure you find the right fit and someone who will work in your best interests to find the right property to invest in. You don't want someone that may be after commissions at any cost, trying to move a certain property and/or isn't generally working towards what's best for you.

Here are a few tips to help narrow down the search and meet the perfect agent match to help you find your dream home:

A person who has the experience


An important attribute of a good realtor is his or her experience. When selecting an agent, look for a person with a strong background. Not just in the number of years experience, but also someone who has knowledge in the area you're looking to buy. Agents who have been in the local area for a long time typically have a strong pulse on the market and can help steer you the right way. They know the neighborhoods, house styles and all of the attributes people look for when buying property and can help you to find the ideal match.

Demonstrates a high level of professionalism


A good agent displays a high level of professionalism. He or she will not pressure, be pushy, brash or focus solely on getting any sale to make his or her commission. Of course all agents want to sell, however, the best ones realize that delivering an ethical and positive experience to their clients will yield better commissions (and those important referrals!) in the long run.

Professional agents are the ones who truly have their clients’ wishes and needs in the forefront. They are courteous, prompt, honest and are willing to share their information and ability to help match their clients with their dream home. To get an idea of agents who fit this profile, it is sometimes helpful to visit various offices to see if you can get a positive vibe and professional demeanor.

Possesses strong knowledge


Knowledge about the real estate industry and the local markets are extremely important in an agent. Hiring an agent who possesses this kind of expertise is invaluable as someone who has a strong familiarity with the local housing market is vital when seeking to hire a great realtor.

Carries a good reputation


Word of mouth is often the best way to find a good agent. By talking to people in the area(s) where you are hoping to buy and see if it is possible to get some solid recommendations, you increase your chances of finding a good realtor. A good reputation is a selling point because this means other buyers and sellers trust the realtor because they do right by their clients.

Another way to find a good agent is to check out realtors on the Internet and see if there are any positive reviews on any local agents that stand out. After all, positive reviews can be a powerful advertiser and this is often more valuable than any brochure or realtor website. Just remember, online reviews can be falsified.

Choosing a realtor is sometimes easy and the right match is immediately found; other times it might be better to shop around until you find the best agent to fit your housing needs. Trust between a realtor and his or her clients is important, and it is vital to be able to trust the agent you ultimately contract with when looking to buy a home.

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