How To Assess A Real Estate Agent
Buying a house may come with a lot of complications and that’s why it is key to have an agent that will guide your path in making the rich choice. There are a lot of real estate professionals out there today, and the question that might be on your mind is “how do i get the right one?”.
Chances are you may already know one from within the area. You can get referrals from friends and family members but one word of caution: don’t pick someone so close to you that can’t have a straight talk with them, if things go wrong.
You need someone with whom you are not uncomfortable having a disagreement. Also have it in mind that this person will at some point become intimated with your financial position.
The competency of an agent is also something you should seriously consider when selecting one to represent you. It’s important to understand how much they know or don’t know, and whether they have the right experience and training to meet your needs or handle a particular transaction.
How do i know my agent is right for me?
Most quality brokerage firms invite attorneys, home inspectors, lenders and appraisers to speak at sales meetings in order to offer updates on pertinent information. Make a check with the agent’s office to be fully sure that weekly sales meetings and educational platforms or opportunities are actually being offered. This will provide a hint to the level of support and competency you can expect to receive from the broker’s in case an issue arises.
Always make sure the agent is attending weekly sales meetings and other educational activities at their broker’s office or at the real estate association office, no matter the level of licensing. It could greatly impact you as a real estate consumer if your agent is uneducated and ill-equipped for the job.
Questions to ask your agent:
#1. Ask about their experience
You should ask how long your agent has been in business, and whether or not they have been in a full-time or part-time job. Also ask for the average length of time their homes sit on the market and the types of property agents they have worked with.
#2. Ask about your drawbacks
The feedback your agent gives you has to be honest in order to set appropriate expectations for the home buying or selling process. Your agent needs to help you identify and solve any issues affecting the value of your home if you want to sell it.
#3. Ask about their strategy
Whether your agent uses a for-sale sign on your lawn, a direct mail campaign or open houses and online marketing, make sure you’re aware of the strategy they plan on using, and be sure you’re comfortable with it.
#4. Do they work with a team?
You should be very interested in knowing if your agent handles all the details alone or as a part of a team. If your agent uses the team approach, find out what areas your agent functions effectively in, who else you may have to work with and in what capacity they will be working for you.
#5. How much do they charge?
Real estate fees are negotiable most times. You should check the average for your area before going into talks. You’ll also have to understand the agent’s cancellation policy and any other fees involved.
