Selecting a Real Estate Agent – Things to Consider
Whether you’re embarking on your first real estate transaction or you’re experienced in the real estate industry, having the right real estate agent is crucial to a smooth process. When selecting a real estate agent, it’s very easy to use the first person that calls you from an online inquiry or an open house. Before jumping into the transaction with the first agent you meet, be sure to ask questions and confirm the person’s knowledge, skills and personality are a match for you. In an ideal world, work with someone referred to you by a trusted family member or friend that already had a great experience!
Things to consider when selecting the right real estate professional for you:
Educational Background:
Always confirm the agent’s educational background! This is a great way to determine if they have the knowledge and skills needed to handle your transaction. This doesn’t always mean formal education. Many agents have educated themselves through continued learning courses and experience on the job. Whether it be formal or informal education, be sure to consider the level of knowledge the person has in real estate and the unique skill sets they may or may not provide.
Is the agent equipped to handle your unique situation?
Are you a first-time homebuyer, long-term investor, house flipper, or selling an estate? These are just a few of the unique scenarios you may find yourself. You want to find an agent that has the skills sets and experience to assist you. Be sure to ask the agent what unique issues could arise in your situation and how he or she would handle them.
Commitment to You:
There are may agents that use real estate as a “side gig” or part time job. That can be great in some situations, but that’s not something you want to find out after signing a listing agreement! If it is important to you to work with some that is dedicated full-time to the real estate industry, make sure and ask upfront if this is the agent’s full time career.
Geographic Scope:
You will likely encounter agents who are neighborhood experts and others who will travel across the country to make a sale. It’s best to find someone in the middle. Many agents have a decent understanding of a larger territory surrounding their main market. However, they cannot cover an entire state while maintaining intimate knowledge of local markets. On the contrary, when working with a “neighborhood expert,” they may try too hard to fit you into a spot that just does not fit. Find someone who works both in and around your main area of interest.
Working with an agent on a team:
When selecting a real estate agent, there is a possibility they may be part of a larger team. Within a team, the members often have a wider level of experience and you will often find one team member has more intimate knowledge of specific situations than another. This can be of great benefit to have a combination of agents with unique skills working your transaction. However, it should be disclosed up front if you will have one primary point of contact or working with several different people on the team.
Communication/Personality:
Do you and your agent understand each other’s style of communication? Does your agent keep you updated and respect your requests of how often you want to be updated? Does the agent follow your preferred method of communication? Most importantly, do you like you agent’s vibe? Make sure you work with an agent that you genuinely like and that makes you feel comfortable. Buying and selling real estate is often a very intimate, personal process and it is important to like the person helping you along the way!
Does the agent have a recommended vendors list?
An experienced agent will have developed trusted relationships with other industry professionals over a period of time. From mortgage brokers and title companies to contractors and inspectors, your agent should be able to refer you to multiple sources so you can ultimately determine who works best for you. These should be recommendations, nothing more – you have the right to use and work with who ever you choose!
What questions does the agent have for you?
This is the most important question to ask when selecting a real estate agent. The true determination of a person’s mindset and priorities is exposed by the questions they ask. Anyone can ask how much you want to sell your house for or how many bedrooms you want in your new home. If an agent takes the time to get to know you, your goals and your priorities, this is an excellent indicator they are already setting a foundation of client-centered service, for which there is no substitute.
When selecting your real estate agent, remember to go with your gut and who you trust and connect with most. When you find the agent you feel comfortable with, you can maintain the relationship for the next time you decide to move, and refer him or her to friends who are buying or selling as well.
We would love the opportunity to learn more about your real estate needs/interests to see if we might be the right fit, and, hopefully, gain your trust! Be sure to learn more about our backgrounds and contact us to discuss your unique situation and how we may be able to assist! Not in our local market (Sarasota, FL)? – reach out, anyway! We can help you connect with an agent in your local area!
~ Brooke Hartman
One Response
It’s great that this article mentions finding a real estate agent that has the skills and experience to help with your unique scenario and situation. When choosing one, it would probably be a good idea to figure out what type of house you’re selling or purchasing and to think of any other aspect of the process. Doing this could help you understand what you’re looking for so you can start to research local agents and interview them to determine which one has the right skills and experience for your scenario.