If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, hiring the right real estate agent can make all the difference in the success of your transaction. And it can save you a lot of time, stress and money in the long run. But how do you pick the best agent for you? It may be tempting to hire an agent based on a personal recommendation from a friend or family member, but it’s important to do some legwork of your own. You can search for vetted agents using tools like Zillow’s Agent Finder, or by visiting open houses in your area. But it’s also a good idea to interview several candidates and ask the right questions to find an agent who’s a match for your personality, goals and working style.
One place to start is with a local referral from a trusted source. Zillow research shows that more than one-fifth of sellers (22%) found their agents through a friend or family member. So if you know someone who has recently bought or sold a property, ask for their agent’s name and contact information. They’ll be happy to provide a reference and you can learn about their experience and working style firsthand. Also read https://www.brettbuysrochouses.com/we-buy-houses-butler-ny/
Another good starting point is by searching for agents in your area who have positive reviews and a solid track record with the types of properties you’re interested in. You can also find out whether they’re full- or part-time and whether they work with buyers, sellers or both. Then, once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can ask each agent for references from previous clients and discuss their experiences with them.
When you meet with potential agents, be sure to listen closely to how they plan on marketing your property. A common mistake that many sellers make is choosing an agent who suggests listing their home at a high price. But if the agent hasn’t properly analyzed the property’s value and marketed it to a targeted audience, the house could sit on the market for months and end up selling for less than it would have if it had been priced right from the beginning.
Finally, when you meet with potential agents, be sure to discuss the typical commission fees for their services. This is an important negotiating point because it can be a significant portion of the total sale cost of your home. Ask each agent how they typically structure their commissions with buyers and sellers, and be sure to discuss any unique circumstances in your case — such as a first-time buyer or out of state relocation — so the agent can help you navigate them effectively. Then, once you choose an agent, be sure to sign a written contract that clearly spells out all of the terms of your transaction. Otherwise, it’s easy for misunderstandings to arise that can delay or even derail your deal.
