How Can You Know If You’ve Chosen The Right Real Estate Agent
Choosing a real estate agent can make or break your property transaction. But how do you know if the one you’re considering is right for you? It’s not enough to look at their credentials and see that they have experience, or even that they seem competent; it takes more than that. It takes knowing what to ask them and when. Here are some of the questions you should consider asking:
- Do they understand my needs?
If your goals are to sell quickly, buy a house for investment purposes, or simply want to live somewhere nice, then you need someone who knows what you’re looking for. This means that they’ll listen carefully to what you have to say, and will be able to explain why something is important to you, as well as what it could mean to your future.
- Are they open-minded?
You may find yourself working with an agent who seems very enthusiastic about selling your home. Or maybe you have a friend who recommends this particular agent, so you think you might like them too. But when you meet them, they turn out to be completely uninterested in hearing anything you have to say about your home, or even in meeting with you at all. They don’t care about you or your situation, only about making money from the sale of your property. Be sure to check this out before you sign on the dotted line.
- How much does it cost?
It’s natural to want to work with someone who offers the best deal. But how much is ‘the best’? Is it worth it to pay a little extra now to save a lot later? And what happens if you end up regretting the decision? Will you feel bad about paying too much? In addition, there’s also the question of whether you’re comfortable with the fees being charged. Some agents charge by the hour, others by the job. Others still charge based on commission. If you don’t know which way to go, ask around. Find out how much other people paid for similar services. Also, make sure that the fee you agree to is clearly stated in writing.
- Does your agent have a good reputation?
You can get a sense of an agent’s reliability by checking reviews online. Ask your friends and family if they’ve used this agent before. What did they think? Did they have any problems? Was everything handled properly? If possible, visit the property to see it for yourself. Look at the photos, read the descriptions, and talk to the neighbors.
- How long has the agent been in business?
This goes hand in hand with the previous point. How many properties have they sold? Have they helped clients with difficult situations? These are all things you should take into account. A good agent will be honest about their successes and failures.
- How friendly is your agent?
Your first impression of your agent will be critical. If you get along with them, great! If not, try to find out why. Maybe they’re just shy, or maybe they’re stressed out because they’re overworked. Whatever the reason, you should try to get along with them, especially since you’ll be spending a lot of time together. You can find out about their personality by asking them about themselves. For example, what kind of music do they listen to? What kinds of movies do they enjoy? Do they like hiking or swimming? Knowing these things about your agent will help you get to know them better.
- Does your agent have a good network of contacts?
A good agent is likely to know other agents who might be helpful in finding the right buyer for your property. If you’re looking for a new place to live, you’ll probably want to use an agent who can introduce you to buyers who are interested in buying in your neighborhood. This might be a neighbor you already know, or someone you’ve never met. An agent’s ability to refer clients to other agents can really add value to the service they provide.
- Does your agent offer insurance?
If you decide to sell your property, you’ll need to know that it’s insured. This is one of the most important things to consider when you’re thinking about moving. Even if you aren’t planning on selling, you’ll want to make sure that your home is protected against fire, theft, or other disasters. It’s always a good idea to ask your agent if they offer this service, and to confirm that they’ll be covering you while you’re listing your property.
- Do they follow through?
An agent’s reputation is important, but it’s also important to be sure that they actually deliver on their promises. This includes keeping you informed of the status of your property, communicating with potential buyers, and following up with them after the sale. Agents who don’t keep their word will lose your trust, and you won’t want to work with them again.
- Do they have experience in your area?
Are they familiar with the local market conditions? Have they lived here for a long time? The more years an agent has spent in your city, the better they’ll be able to give you advice on where to look for a new home. They’ll also be able to tell you if there are any neighborhoods that are becoming increasingly popular.
- Can they handle special situations?
There are times when you’ll find yourself in a tough spot. Maybe you’re facing foreclosure, or you’ve inherited a property from a relative. Sometimes, you’ll find that you need to sell quickly. If you have a unique situation, or if you’re having trouble finding the right buyer for your property, you’ll want to find someone who knows how to navigate these waters.
- Are they willing to work with you?
Many people believe that real estate agents are just salespeople. While they do have to be skilled negotiators, they also have to be able to explain the process in a way that makes it easy to understand. Your agent should be willing to answer your questions, and to work with you. You shouldn’t have to spend all your time trying to convince them of anything.
Final Words
It’s not easy to choose the best real estate agent, and it’s even harder to find the perfect fit. But as long as you keep the factors above in mind, you should be able to find a good agent. At Shaariq, our team of experts is ready to help you find the right property for your needs. Contact us today, and we’ll find you a new home that meets your requirements.
