Whether you are buying or selling a home or property, you will likely want to work with a real estate agent. How can you find a real estate agent to help you? Here are some suggestions:
Mouth to mouth
Personal references are a great way to find a real estate agent. Ask your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers if they know anyone. Be sure to ask if they have personally dealt with this person. You will want to find out the following information:
Was the agent courteous and professional?
Was he or she a good listener?
Did the agent attend meetings and open houses on time?
Contact a real estate broker
If you cannot find a real estate agent through personal references, contact a real estate broker and explain your needs: Are you looking to buy or sell? What style of home are you looking for and in what price range? Would you like to live in the city or are you interested in rural properties? Do you want to buy a construction lot, a farm or a multi-family building? Based on this information, the broker should be able to recommend someone in his office who has experience with the type of home or property that interests you.
Check out the local signs
Make a note of the agents who are working (and selling) in your neighborhood (if you’re selling) or the neighborhood you’re interested in moving to (if you’re a buyer). You will want to work with someone who can deliver results.
Visit the open days
One way to meet a real estate agent is to attend an open house that he or she is holding. You can get an idea of this person’s work style and begin to consider whether it is someone you could work with for your own purchase or sale.
Find an agent online
Several online directories offer listings for real estate agents. In addition to the agent’s name and contact information, you can find a statement about the person’s areas of expertise. A link to the realtor’s website will likely be provided. This gives the potential client the opportunity to get an idea of how the realtor markets their listed properties.
Interview with potential real estate agents
Once you’ve found a few potential real estate agents, it’s a good idea to meet with each one separately and interview them. Buying or selling a home is probably the most expensive transaction the average person will engage in and finding the right real estate agent is important.
Begin the meeting by asking the agent to tell you a little about their experience in the field. Then take some time to tell the agent what your plans are for selling your property or what you are looking for if you are a buyer.
Sellers will also want to know exactly how the real estate agent will market their home. The interview stage is the time to find out what percentage the real estate agent charges as commission.
Use these tips to help you find the right real estate agent to meet your needs. Take the time you need to find someone you can work with effectively.
