Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the role of a real estate agent is vital as they can provide you with essential knowledge and guide you through the process. However, with no shortage of agents on the market, you may be stumped on deciding who is the right person for the job. So, it’s no wonder that the second step of our Home Buying Basics series is all about finding the right real estate agent for your needs.
Where to Find a Real Estate Agent
When looking for an agent, your first question may be, “How do I find the right agent for me?” Although word-of-mouth still seems to be the most common method of finding an agent, there are a few places you can look.
Your personal network. According to the National Association of Realtors®, about 40% of home sellers find their agent this way. Start conversations with people you are close to, like friends, colleagues, or maybe your social media connections, who have recently worked with a Realtor®. A personal referral can sometimes carry more weight and you can ask more in-depth questions than you could through other avenues.
Research. In this day and age, we have access to an invaluable tool that makes researching real estate agents a breeze. You should feel encouraged to Google search “top agents” in your area, read their reviews, look at their social media profiles, etc. Also, don’t hesitate to take a look around your neighborhood to see which Realtors® are listing (maybe you could meet them in person at an Open House!)
Contact a referral agent. If you are looking out of state, you may want to look into using a referral agent or a relocation department like we have at Dickens Mitchener. According to Forbes, “A referral agent—such as a local agent you already know and trust, like one who has listed your property—will connect you with another agent and will receive a cut of the local agent’s commission as a payment.” Using a referral agent is a great way to better guarantee a connection to an agent that is right for your needs because the agent already knows them.
Ask Questions & Get Answers
According to real estate pros, you should conduct interviews with at least three real estate agents before making a decision. By doing so, you can get a better feel for the Realtor’s knowledge and familiarity of the area, as well as build a relationship with them. New to interviews? Here are a few things you may want to ask:
References. Don’t be afraid to ask for a list of references because they can carry some weight when making a decision.
What makes them right for the job? Ask each agent how they plan to help you – what marketing, resources, etc. and what makes them different.
Timeliness is key. Pay close attention to how quickly an agent responds to your inquiry, whether they show up early or late to the interview, and if they make you feel like you are a priority.
Sales history. Does the agent have a list of recent sales that they can provide? Have they sold in your area before? If so, how recently? This information can give you an inside look into their experience.
Know Your Needs & How They Differ
While you may think all real estate agents are the same, you should be aware that their clients are not. Some specialize in luxury homes, some specialize in certain areas, and some cater to either buyers or sellers. So, before you decide on an agent, you may want to take a closer look at your needs as either a home-buyer or home-seller and how a Realtor® can best provide their support. Do you need someone who is proactive? Social media savvy? Maybe someone with a proven track record and consistency? Whatever your needs as a buyer or seller, you can guarantee that there is a right fit for you.
Can’t Decide? Go With Your Gut
The relationship with your Realtor® is just that – a relationship. Sometimes, all the knowledge and experience an agent brings are just as important as your chemistry with them. Buying or selling a home is no easy feat, and you should feel comfortable with your agent. If you’re deciding between agents, we encourage you to go with your gut and work with the person whom you are confident in their ability to assist with your personal needs.
Dickens Mitchener Award Winning Relocation Department
If you’re still unsure about finding the right real estate agent, we can help by pairing you with the right-fit Dickens Mitchener agent based on a short quiz. Ready to get started today? Click here.
