Whether you’re buying or selling your home, you’ll need the help of a real estate
agent. There are over 1.3 million licensed real estate agents in the United States,
and choosing the right one can be the difference between a seamless property
transaction and a nightmare you can’t seem to wake up from. Whether you’re
looking for an agent through a referral or from the internet, it’s important to
interview several candidates and find one who both has professional expertise and
fits your personality.
Ultimately, an agent who is right for you will become your advocate and help guide
you through the home buying or selling process. Choosing the best real estate agent
for you can save you money and hassle and make the entire experience more
enjoyable.
When interviewing prospective real estate agents, it’s important to ask about their
history and past transactions. You’ll want to know how long they’ve been in
business, the number of homes they’ve sold and their overall reputation.
You’ll also want to understand how they plan on marketing your property and the
target audience they’re hoping to attract. A savvy agent will be able to explain how
they’ll use their skills and resources to get the most out of your home’s sale.
When discussing price, listen carefully to how each agent approaches the situation.
You may find yourself drawn to the agent who offers the highest estimate for your
property’s value, but that may not be in your best interests. A good agent will back
up their price suggestion with local market data and be honest about what it will
take to sell your home quickly. Read more: https://www.simplesalebuyers.com/sell-your-house-fast-plant-city-fl/
Aside from determining the selling price, you’ll also need to agree on the terms of a
transaction. If you’re buying a new home, an agent should be able to connect you
with a mortgage lender and walk you through the loan approval process. If you’re
selling your current home, a reputable agent should be able to connect you with an
estate attorney and advise you on the best way to prepare the property for sale.
It’s also worth asking each prospective agent how they work with clients. Do they
prefer to communicate by phone, email or text? Do they have assistants who handle
some of their client interaction or will you be working directly with the agent on a
daily basis? Find out how each agent’s communication style matches your own.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, consider treating each candidate like a
job interview. Ask each agent the same questions and compare their responses.
You’ll be spending a lot of time with your agent, so you’ll want to choose the one
who both meets your needs and is a great fit personally. For a thorough comparison,
check out Zillow’s real estate agent tool, which offers an easy way to search for
vetted agents in your area and compare their reviews and numbers of homes sold.
It’s free to use!
