Finding the right real estate agent can ensure a positive experience with selling your home. The wrong agent, however, can not only impede the progress, but can also add to frustration and aggravation. Here are a few tips for finding the right real estate agent.
Ask Around
Your friends, family members, and associates tend to be brutally honest. When you ask about their experiences with real estate agents, your loved ones and acquaintances will tell you whether or not they had a good outcome. They’ll also share with you about their frustrations and wins, how they communicated, and the end result.
In the event that no one you know has recently worked with an agent they’d recommend, you may find yourself turning to search engines. Even so, there are ways you can get feedback about an agent. Search engines and social networks have done a phenomenal job of incorporating ratings and reviews. Read the reviews of potential real estate agents before reaching out.
Try to avoid working with family members or friends.
Check Credentials
First and foremost, the real estate agent with whom you choose to work should be licensed to operate in your area. Beyond that, there are specialties and certifications that may be beneficial to you. For example, if you’re selling a luxury home, you’d want someone who specializes in luxury homes. If your house is on the water, seek out an agent who is a specialist in waterfront properties. Furthermore, your agent should be familiar with your area, area schools, local resources, etc.
Interview Potential Agents
There are several questions you may want to ask potential real estate agents who will be assisting you with the sale of your house.
Ask potential agents how they would suggest pricing your property, and why. Additionally, ask about their commission rate. Beware of rates that are too high or too low. Low commission rates may be signs of inexperience or desperation. Rates that are exorbitantly high will cut into your bottom dollar.
Inquire about the agent’s last six sales. What was the asking price? What was the final selling price? How long was each house on the market? How many price reductions did each property undergo? This can give you a clear idea about the agents success, or a clue that the agent might not deliver on the promises they make.
Question agents about the marketing strategy for your property. Some agents do the bare minimum while others go above and beyond. What can you expect from the agent to draw attention to your house?
Relationship Building
When you sign on with an agent to sell your house, you’re forming somewhat of a long term relationship with that person.
Not all relationships turn out to be as good as we’d hoped. Before signing on with an agent, ask about their termination policies, and read the contract carefully. Some agents apply a penalty for early termination. However, this technicality can be negotiable.
It’s important that you have a good rapport with your real estate agent. If your personalities clash or you feel uncomfortable, this might not be the right agent for you. Make sure you’re compatible with the person with whom you choose to work.
Communication barriers can hinder any relationship. Furthermore, real estate clients tend to want high levels of communication. You want updates on the progress of your endeavor. Ask potential agents about their preferred method of communication and make sure it aligns with your preferences. Phone calls, text messages, emails, and personal meetings are all appropriate methods of communication, as long as you both agree. Furthermore, ask how long it typically takes the agent to respond to messages.
When you find a professional who is licensed, experienced in your property type, has good pricing and marketing strategies, offers a contract with an appropriate exit strategy, who communicates effectively, and who charges an appropriate rate, you have likely found the real estate agent that is right for you.
When you’ve successfully completed your real estate transaction and are fully satisfied with the services you’ve received, take the time to rate or review the agent, and be willing to refer that agent to friends, family members, and associates who ask if you have recommendations.
Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give Ocala Realty Experts a call today at 352-254-5255 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.