Purchasing or selling a home is often the biggest financial transaction someone makes in their lifetime. Having an experienced, trustworthy real estate agent to help guide you through the process is key to ensuring it goes smoothly. But not all real estate agents are created equal. Here are tips for finding the best local real estate agent like Pen Rose Real Estate to meet your needs:
Ask Friends and Neighbors for Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals from people you know and trust are one of the best ways to find a reputable real estate agent. Ask friends, relatives, neighbors or coworkers who have recently bought or sold homes in your area who they used and if they were satisfied with the services provided. People are usually happy to recommend someone who made their lives easier during a real estate transaction.
Look for Experience and Specialization
When evaluating local real estate agents, consider their years of experience, specifically in your town or neighborhood. An agent who has facilitated many transactions in an area will be very familiar with home values, tracking market trends, desirable locations and negotiating tactics that work. They will leverage their extensive connections and insider knowledge for your benefit. Also look for specializations like luxury homes or first-time buyers.
Vet Licensing, Ratings and Designations
Any real estate agent must have proper licensing, but additional designations indicate a higher level of training and expertise. Look for labels like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) or Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) after an agent’s name. Also check ratings on sites like Zillow or social media. Top ratings often reflect quality service.
Interview Multiple Candidates
Set up introductory calls or meetings with several agents to evaluate who seems the best fit for you personally. Come prepared with questions about their background, experience, commission rates, marketing strategies, average days on market for their listings and more. Pay attention not just to their answers but how professional, responsive and personable they seem. The right agent-client relationship is critical.
Assess Marketing Plans and Resources
Ask prospective agents to outline their specific marketing plan for selling your home or searching for your dream home. The agent should go beyond just listing on MLS and be able to discuss both digital and traditional strategies tailored to your property and goals. They should have access to networks, tools and resources that expand your options.
Compare Commission Rates and Fees
While agents’ commission rates are usually in the 5-6% range, a lower rate could save thousands in dollars for larger transactions. Understand the specific commission percentage and structure, any additional fees charged, if you would pay the buyer’s agent commission in an offer scenario, and whether the rate is negotiable.
Follow Up on References
Any local real estate agent you’re seriously considering should be able to furnish multiple references of past satisfied clients. Following up with those references offers inside perspective into working with that agent. Be sure to ask about response time, communication style, market knowledge and if they would use the agent again.
Trust Your Gut Instinct
Even with lots of research, sometimes it just comes down to gut feel when choosing a real estate agent. You will likely interact very frequently over many months with your agent during a home buying/selling process. Make sure you choose someone who listens attentively to your needs, answers questions thoroughly and makes you feel comfortable and confident each step of the way.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal real estate agent takes work but pays off exponentially for peace of mind during a home transaction. Being strategic in evaluating experience, market knowledge, marketing abilities, fees and overall responsiveness helps ensure you select the very best advocate. The right agent seamlessly guides you through all twists and turns in your journey.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-carrying-carton-box-4246009/
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