There are few things we buy or sell in our lives that are more valuable than real estate. So whether you’re buying or selling a home as a personal or business decision, picking the right real estate agent is a crucial decision.
Seek personal referrals.
It’s always best to start a real estate agent search with personal referrals from trusted friends or family members. They will not give you misleading information and they will be the first people to want to help you.
Research potential agents.
If you can’t get a personal recommendation, the next best step to search for potential agents online and read client reviews. There are many different agencies to choose from. Find out how they operate.
Go for local.
The agent you pick will represent you as well as your property. You want someone who knows the ins and outs of the area you plan to sell in, including other properties that are also being sold and those that have been sold in the recent past. It’s always good to know what you’re up against. An agent who is knowledgeable about the local scene can assess your home against similar properties in the market.
Go explore.
Spend time to check out some of the other properties the agent is working on. One of the best ways to know more about them is to see them in action during an actual open house. The property need not be similar to yours. You just want to have that opportunity to see the agent handle an open house and engage with potential buyers. Certainly, it can also be a perfect chance to introduce yourself to the agent and get his business card.
During the open house, you’ll want to be very, very observant. Notice how the agent interacts with potential buyers. How do you find their communication style?
Take note of their general behavior as well. First and foremost, did the agent come on time for the open house? Did the agent welcome the lookers at the door before moving forward? How well did they identify the features of the property? Did they give satisfying answers to questions?
One best practice for real estate agents is following up after an open house. Did that agent ring you to ask if there was any additional information you wanted regarding the property?
Additionally, how do you find the marketing strategies they use for the properties they’ve listed?
Check for personal chemistry.
A good agent will help you sell your property, but they can only be good enough for you if you mesh well together. In the first place, you can’t expect great results working with someone you don’t even like. Selling a home is a collaborative project between agent and client.