How Do I Select A Real Estate Agent?
There are literally tens of thousands of real estate agents in the United States. When time gets rough, many people think that becoming a real estate agent will help them to continue to make a nice income. Just like in every other industry, there are some good agents and some bad ones. We’re going to offer ways to get what you’re looking for in an agent.
The first step is to realize that this is probably the biggest financial purchase you’ll ever make in your life, so treat it like a business. Decide on at least 3 or 4 different real estate agencies and interview at least one agent from all of them. Have certain questions already set to ask, such as:
- Do you visit homes we might like first?
- How will you work with us in finding the home we want?
- If we tell you we want a certain style, will you still try to guide us to styles we don’t want?
- Will you be able to help us stay within our price range?
- Will you tell us potential problems with a house if we happen to miss something?
- Will you be representing my interests, or the interests of your company?
- How accessible will you be when we’re ready to go look at houses?
Just like it is when you’re interviewing people, a lot of it will go by how you feel about someone, but having questions to ask helps you not just rely on your instincts. After all, you’re buying a house, not looking for a best friend. That last question, by the way, is a big one. There are a lot of part time agents who have full time jobs, and they may not be available when you are.
Next, of course, is how comfortable you are with your agent. You need to feel like you can say almost anything to this person that’s not a rude comment. You need to feel like you can tell them why you don’t like a house, and that you can look at a house without feeling like someone is pushing you into purchasing something you may not be ready for. You want to work with someone who shows a lot of patience with you; after all, this may be the first time you’re exploring the idea of buying a house.
The final evaluation comes when you go to see the first couple of houses you’re being shown. You need to notice how much your realtor knows about the house you’re looking at. You need to see how much your realtor allows you to see for yourself. You need to notice whether you’re being given a sales pitch or an actual appraisal of the house.
Sometimes an agent may not have had time to see a house; that’s just how it goes. However, even then, they should be able to see things you may not, and tell you if a house is deficient in some manner.
Of course, a lot of purchasing a new home is up to you and your vision, but having a professional partner in the process can only enhance the experience.
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I’ve had agents tell me how challenging it is to advise clients about the importance of staging your residence to appeal to buyers. it’s a slippery slope telling someone that their environment might be suitable for selling and needs to be transformed. The agents I know told me it’s a subject they tread very carefully with clients that believe they’re interior experts.
excellent points… it’s also nice to ask for referrals from other real estate agents and/or mortgage brokers…
Have to agree with the last one on the list. Accessibility is a huge issue here in Las Vegas. Quite a lot of the REO agents don’t work weekends and don’t even answer their phone after 5 pm. Very frustrating when you’re forced to deal with someone that isn’t available.
Charles@Las Vegas Real Estate´s last blog ..Las Vegas Housing Market: Foreclosures Down, Sales Up
I like the questions you have included in this post. They are different from what you normally see in this type of article/blog post. Thanks for the insight.
I’ve been told always choose Real estate agents who are GRI & CRS certified. I’ve been looking and recently chatted online with an agent who has only been an agent for 3 years. Should I look somewhere else? I’ve heard seasoned agents have connections & can get better deals. What say YOU?
Daniel Corporate Housing´s last blog ..Stylish and affordable rental homes
During the interview process, also ask your prospective agent to write you a personalized letter explaining his or her qualifications. Remember that this is the person who will be helping you negotiate a very large purchase or preparing marketing materials to help you sell your most expensive asset. Read the letter carefully and critically. You want someone who has a good grasp of the English language; someone who can express their thoughts in coherent sentences and persuade you to act. If they cannot persuade you, how can you expect them to persuade others when they act as your representative?
Geoff@San Diego Real Estate´s last blog ..Old Poway July 4th In San Diego