Tips for choosing a real estate agent
A real estate agent would act as your guide and help you make one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Therefore, it is imperative that you be absolutely sure that he/she has her/she’s best interest at heart and will always try to work to meet her/his requirements to the best of her/his ability.
Choosing a real estate agent to act on your behalf to find you a good deal is a very important decision. One should carefully analyze the following aspects before deciding on a real estate agent:
o Does the real estate agent have enough time for you?
o Are you sure of your personal integrity and work ethic?
o Will the real estate agent put in enough time and effort?
These are relevant questions whose answers should satisfy you sufficiently. Your satisfaction is crucial to being able to safely depend on the real estate agent on such an important decision. As a buyer, you should feel comfortable at all times. This is even when you have to turn down a great deal or move out of the “nearly perfect” home your real estate agent may have shown you. It is very important that you do not feel intimidated by the real estate agent and at the same time he must possess qualities such as assertiveness and a high degree of professionalism.
Choosing a real estate agent is similar to choosing a lawyer or doctor, in that you don’t want to miss out on your dream home or a great bargain. The process of shortlisting or narrowing down your search for a real estate agent is often about how comfortable you feel doing business with a particular person. One has to be attentive to the rehearsed responses and try to get at what the person can really offer you. The trick is not to fall into the small talk and to go beyond the facade that many real estate agents put up. Most real estate agents are people of integrity, as they are professionals with a reputation to protect. However, what you should look for in a real estate agent is their ability to understand your requirements and deliver accordingly.
Some of the real estate agents in the business would have exceptional sales records, so researching their past track record may be a good idea to evaluate them. You can also ask for references from people who vouch for the real estate agent’s skills based on having done business in the past. Try to shortlist at least a dozen real estate agents and use your discretion regarding who to call for a referral.
Ask the real estate agent as many questions as you think fit.
You may consider asking questions similar to those listed below:
o How long has each of the houses shown to you been for sale?
o Which of the houses have had their prices reduced?
o How many times were prices reduced and by how much?
o Is the real estate agent ready with a marketing plan to sell your property?
o Would you stick to the plan?
o What is the guarantee given by the real estate agent that you will get a guaranteed good deal?
You may also consider asking if they have taken any real estate business courses to gauge their enthusiasm and passion for the job. Try to see if the real estate agent’s voice sounds flat to you. If he does, ask yourself if his approach is relaxing or if he would like to hear a livelier, more energetic voice.
Last but not least, you need to find out if you have good negotiation skills. Ask commission-related questions such as in the case of a home sale; both you and your real estate agent would need to discuss tax matters clearly.
Be aware of how the real estate agent expresses his thoughts when negotiating for a reduced fee. If he/she is able to convince you that the fee he/she charges is fair and proportional to the amount of hard work he/she has to put in to earn it, then he/she surely has the ability to convince other people to accept it. do. Hear his side of the story when he takes care of business on his behalf!
Such lengthy discussions would give you time to judge the realtor’s personality type. At the end of it all, you need to select someone who can earn your trust.