How to Find a Real Estate Agent
Buying or selling a home is one of the most complex transactions many of us will ever go through. Luckily, real estate agents can make the whole process smoother. However, finding a good real estate professional is not always easy and there are many things to consider. Follow these seven steps to ensure you end up working with the right real estate agent.
1. Know the different types of real estate agents
Before you get started, it’s important to know what type of real estate agent is best suited to your needs:
- real estate agent: Has completed the necessary training and qualified as a real estate agent. You can be self-employed or work for a larger company and have a full-time or part-time employment schedule
- Broker®: A member of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) in the US or the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). They are required to follow a strict code of conduct and ethics and are typically continually learning new skills
- estate agents: A broker is generally responsible for overseeing a team of real estate agents. They are of a high standard and are often the ones agents turn to with complex industry and legal issues
In addition, you can often find agents who specialize in different things such as: B. Sale or Rental.
2. Ask friends and family
One of the best ways to find an agent you can trust is to ask for references from friends or relatives who have had good experiences. This can be a great shortcut, but even if friends or family enthusiastically review an agent, make sure you do your own research and interview them. Your needs and expectations may be different, or you may simply not be a good fit with us.
3. Do your research and create a shortlist
Try to create a short list of at least three candidates. Be sure to pay attention to important properties, such as B. whether they are fully qualified and experienced, have good local knowledge and enjoy negotiating.
Check online reviews and see exactly what services they offer to make sure they’re a good choice for your needs. It’s worth investing time and picking a few options now rather than going with the first one and finding things don’t work out along the way.
4. Start interviewing your candidates
Once you’ve created your shortlist, it’s time to contact your selection and schedule interviews. Try to interview at least three people so you can see your different options. As you prepare for the discussion, put yourself in the shoes of the CEO of a company looking to hire their next star employee.
Essentially, you are interviewing and planning is essential. For each candidate, create a list of questions covering things like: how long have you been working in the real estate industry? how well do you know the area? what does your schedule look like? and can i see your credentials??
5. Check references
After interviews, you will have a better idea of how you feel about your candidates. Be sure to ask for and follow up on references. Don’t hesitate to contact past customers to see if their experience matches what you’ve been told.
6. Choose your best match
When the references check out, it’s time to make your choice. Don’t worry if your choice isn’t necessarily the highest rated agent on paper. In general, it’s best to go with your gut. You’ll be working closely with your agent, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them and know they’re being honest with you.
7. Check your contract
Read your contract carefully and pay attention to the terms of payment and the duration of the contract. Typically, the seller has to pay brokerage fees averaging 6% of the sale price, with 3% going to each broker. However, this can be negotiated.
Consider the market situation when determining the duration of the contract. In a hot market, houses can be sold in weeks instead of months. So you don’t really want to be tied to a single agent for six months if things don’t work out and you haven’t sold or bought a home fast enough.