Are you ready to find your new home, sweet home? It helps to have an experienced real estate agent at your side. Their experience and expertise could simplify the entire process.
Otherwise, you might fail to find the perfect home within your budget. You might experience issues along the way, too.
There are now over 168,000 real estate agents across the US, though. Not every agent will have experience in the area. Before you hire a local real estate agent, it helps to know what to look for.
Here are seven tips that can simplify the real estate agent hiring process. With these tips, you can feel confident in your final choice.
You can find an experienced agent who is ready to help you accomplish your goals.
Start your search for the best real estate agent around with these tips today.
Table of Contents
1. Years of Experience
First, talk to your friends and family members in the area. Ask if they’ve worked with a real estate agent recently. If they have, ask about their experience.
For example, was the agent able to find options within your friend’s budget? Did your friend experience any problems during the process? Would they hire the same real estate agent in the future?
Speaking with your inner circle can help you develop a list of options to research further.
Otherwise, visit peggyoung.com to find the one expert you can count on.
Local Experience
If your friends can’t point you in the right direction, that’s okay. Head online instead. Google “local real estate agents” and start developing a list. Then, learn more about each agent’s professional history.
For example, how long have they worked as a real estate agent? Consider how long they’ve worked in the area as well.
It helps to find someone with years of experience working in the local market. They’ll have a better understanding of market trends. They’ll know which homes and neighborhoods will meet your needs, too.
Their experience could streamline your search.
Someone who lacks experience with the local market, however, might waste your time.
It’s not enough to consider how long they’ve worked in the industry, though. Consider how many homes they’ve bought and sold over the years, too.
For example, one agent might complete a transaction every week. Another might only complete 20 over the span of a year.
Instead, look for an agent with the hands-on experience you can count on.
2. Expertise and Training
Once you find experienced, local real estate agents, make sure they have the expertise you need.
First, make sure their local license is active. You can check websites like Arello to confirm their license is up-to-date.
While you’re at it, check the state’s licensing division online. Determine when the license was issued. Look for any suspensions or complaints on their file, too.
Then, consider whether they’re a real estate agent or realtor.
Agents need to pass a state exam to receive a license. They also complete up to 90 hours of classroom instruction. Realtors, on the other hand, are members of the National Association of Realtors.
They have to pass professional requirements and a code of ethics.
You might need someone with additional training, too. Determine if the agent is a:
- Certified Residential Specialist
- Seller Representative Specialist
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist
- Military Relocation Professional
Consider your real estate agent requirements before hiring someone. Choose someone with the certifications and expertise you need.
3. Strong Marketing
Do you need a real estate agent to help you sell your current home? About 5.8 million houses sold in May 2021 alone. That’s a 45% increase from May 2020.
An experienced real estate agent can speed up the process with a strong marketing strategy. During your search, ask each agent about how they’ll market your property. Choose someone who will use a mix of digital and traditional marketing methods.
Without a strong marketing strategy, you could struggle to sell your home on time. You might experience delays when moving into your new home, too.
4. Recent References
During the real estate agent hiring process, it’s important to consider each agent’s professional reputation. Visit their website, Google My Business, and BBB listings. Read reviews from each site.
Look for an agent with a strong reputation. Their reputation can indicate their ability to meet your real estate agent requirements.
Take a look at the position and negative comments. What problems did their previous clients experience?
If they have any complaints filed against them, scratch them off your list.
5. Meet in Person
Consider meeting at least three local real estate agents in person. An in-person interview can help you determine if they meet your requirements.
Make a list of questions you want to ask beforehand. Then, treat each meeting like a job interview.
6. Ask the Right Questions
Make sure to consider what questions you want to ask before your meeting. The questions you ask can fill in any gaps in your research.
For example, you might want to ask:
- How long have you worked as an agent
- How much experience do you have in the area
- Do you have more experience buying or selling
- Are you part of a team
- Are you familiar with my property’s location
- What do you need from me to get started
- How will you accomplish my goals
- How many active clients are you helping right now
Make sure to ask how many clients they’re currently working with. If they’re juggling too many clients, you might experience delays.
Determine if they’ll hand you off to someone else at their office, too.
Don’t forget to ask about real estate agent fees as well. Don’t choose the cheapest option, though.
7. Review Your Options
Once you’ve gathered information about each agent, review your notes.
Who seems most likely to meet your goals? Consider who meets the majority of your real estate agent requirements, too.
Then, trust your instincts and choose one of the agents on your list.
Start Searching: 7 Essential Tips for Real Estate Agent Hiring
Don’t rush the real estate agent hiring process. Instead, use these tips to find an agent you can trust. With these tips, you can find the agent most likely to meet your goals.
They’ll ensure you start enjoying your new home, sweet home in no time!
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