Whether you’re buying a house or trying to sell one, it’s important to have a good real estate agent to aid you through these processes. However, there are potentially those you do not wish to work with. So how do you choose the one that suits your needs? Questions such as these can be easily answered if you do the right amount of research on the agent you’re interested in working with and decide if he or she would suit you best.
Check Their Credentials
Before you set up an appointment with the real estate agent that catches your eye, it would be good to look at their biographies on the company websites (or their own if they’re the sole proprietors) and see how much experience they have. It is said, “Most experts recommend five or more years experience” but “Sometimes less experience means…more attention for you” (Money 1). So having a decent amount of experience is good, though giving those with less experience a chance wouldn’t hurt if you’re looking for someone who will cater to your needs more personally. But regardless of your preference, make sure the real estate agent has at least some certification because “Designations and certifications help define the special skills that an agent can apply to your particular real estate needs” (Handouts 1). That way, you can be sure the agent will do a good job.
Look at Customer Reviews
If you’re still unsure about the real estate agent despite the experience they have on display, then look up online reviews or talk to people who’ve worked with the agent before. But one should be wary of what the reviews say because according to Teresa Mears, a contributor of U. S. News “they don’t tell the whole story, since most clients, satisfied or dissatisfied, don’t write reviews” (1). Therefore, you’re likely to get fake comments and get a false perspective of the real estate agent in general.
Ask a Lot of Questions
When you meet the real estate agent of your choice for the first time, make the meeting worthwhile. In other words, try to get as much information as possible out of the agent upfront. This includes the things you might not have been able to find out on your own such as the agent’s credentials and what their customers thought of them. Reporter Jennie Phipps recommends that you “Interview at least three candidates before you sign a contract” (1). As a result, you’ll have more options to choose from and potentially pick the right real estate agent for you at River City Real Estate!
Sources Used
Handouts for Buyers. “Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR®.” Realtor Magazine, 2017, http://realtormag.realtor.org/sales-and-marketing/handouts-for-customers/for-buyers/questions-ask-when-choosing-realtor. Accessed 6 April 2017.
Mears, Teresa. “9 Red Flags to Watch for When Picking a Real Estate Agent.” U. S. News, 7 November 2014, http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/11/07/9-red-flags-to-watch-for-when-picking-a-real-estate-agent. Accessed 6 April 2017.
Money 101. “How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent?” Money, 2017, http://time.com/money/collection-post/2792050/how-to-choose-a-real-estate-agent/?iid=sr-link1. Accessed 6 April 2017.
Phipps, Jennie. “How to Choose a Great Listing Agent.” HGTV, 2017, http://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/how-to-choose-a-great-listing-agent. Accessed 6 April 2017.
