When buying or selling a home, you’ll want to work with an agent who has the experience to guide you through the process. But with so many real estate agents vying for your business in online ads, yard signs and billboards, finding the right one can be a challenge.
Word-of-mouth referrals remain the most popular way that homebuyers and sellers find their agents, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Personal recommendations from friends, family members and neighbors can give you insight into an agent’s professionalism, communication skills, track record and more. They may also have a good idea of who would be best for you, especially if they bought or sold a home in your area recently. Read more https://www.joehomebuyertriadgroup.com/
In addition to getting recommendations, it’s a smart idea to look up agents online before choosing the one who will represent you. Websites like Fast Expert allow you to filter agents by their past sales and customer ratings. This can help you quickly narrow down your options and choose an agent who’s likely to be a good fit for your situation.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, set up phone interviews with agents who you’re considering. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the agent’s personality and work style, which can be important when working with someone on a major transaction. Make sure to note how they answer the phone — does it sound like they’re in a rush? Do they call back promptly if you leave a message? If they don’t return your calls, it could be a red flag.
The real estate landscape can vary widely by state, city and neighborhood, so it’s important to choose an agent who has experience in your market. For example, if you’re thinking about buying in New York City, it’s best to choose an agent who has extensive experience with the unique neighborhoods and property types that exist there.
Another thing to consider is whether an agent has a good understanding of your local market’s current inventory and price trends. If the agent isn’t familiar with the latest market data, they may not be able to provide you with accurate information about whether you can afford to buy or sell your home.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of agents to consider, ask for references from each of them. Ask them to provide you with contact information for previous clients who they’ve worked with, as well as a brief description of their experiences with the agent. This can give you a sense of the agent’s responsiveness, communication skills and overall integrity. It’s also a good idea to ask an agent for references from their own previous clients, so that you can see what they’ve done on behalf of other buyers and sellers like you. Once you’ve finished your research, contact the agents who stood out to you to discuss a potential partnership. With the right agent by your side, you’ll be on your way to buying or selling a home.