There is no shortage of agents to choose from. They all say they want to work for you and will do “whatever it takes!” but how can you know which one is right for you? How can you tell if a Realtor is right for you?
Check out our list of the top 5 signs of a great real estate agent!
Highly recommended should always be the norm…
See if anyone you know who has recently sold or bought a house can provide you with some advice. Not just for the name of an agent they know, but for a person who has recently gone through the process and had a positive experience. Look at online reviews to find out what others have to say. Real estate agents who are experienced should have many 5-star reviews online. Check out a few agents before choosing one. You will be working with this agent for months at a time while they sell your home, so you need to be sure you are working with someone you can trust.
They need to be tech-savvy…
The majority of people shop online for their homes. Real estate agents should have an online presence on the major real estate websites. A good real estate agent knows how to get their listings seen by the right people, which platforms work best, and how to use photography to sell houses. There should be no difficulty with them texting or emailing you back and forth. The way they present themselves online will also be how they present your house. When they have only set up basic profiles and do not have photos, they may approach your listing the same way. Make sure they possess the skills necessary to present your property in the best light!
It seems like they’re always working. At least they appear to be…
The real estate market can be competitive. Look for someone who is always working hard! Look for someone who is ambitious and driven. A person who seems to be chasing a dream will likely be someone who strives to be successful in everything they do. Whenever they think of something new, they should send you an update right away! You should be kept updated and contacted often as new buyers are presented to you.
They know the area…
Ideally, they live in the neighborhood or nearby. A real knowledge of the area will help them market your home most effectively. Their knowledge of local demographics and what they are looking for in a home will be invaluable. Prospective buyers will be able to ask all the questions they want about the neighborhood and they will be able to present the location effectively. They will be able to articulate to others why they love the area.
They are taking it seriously…
The value of professionalism can’t be overstated. Working with someone who is always on time, who keeps their appointments, and who follows through on their commitments means a great deal. If your agent seems frantic, constantly running around and seems disorganized, chances are they are. Make sure that you meet with someone who manages their time properly, is focused on you, and is able to meet your needs. A real estate agent should be able to inform you of the recent sales in your neighborhood and what they are doing to sell your home.
At the end of the day, real estate agents are salesmen. They want to sell your home in order to make a commission. Don’t let false promises or overinflated listing prices fool you. Look for agents who are knowledgeable, have excellent reviews, and can walk you through the entire selling process!