The wealth of information online on how to hire a real estate agent can be helpful for home buyers and sellers, but finding the right one can still be a challenge. Professional agents must have the skills and experience necessary to help find exactly what the client wants. These four qualities can give buyers and sellers clues that a real estate agent is a great choice.
Suggest realistic prices
When planning to sell a home, it is recommended to get listing submissions from various agencies. They will provide market prices for comparable homes, as well as the amount of time it typically takes to sell similar properties. Working with professionals to ensure a home is priced appropriately will make the process less stressful and time consuming.
Work full time
Some real estate agents match home buyers with sellers as a part-time job; however, it is wise to choose one who works in the industry full time for the best results. Such professionals are in a better position to provide accurate advice and recommendations, as they have more experience and a deeper understanding of the industry. A full-time agent will likely spend more time browsing multiple listings for a home or showing the home to potential buyers to ensure clients buy or sell a property quickly and at the right price.
Appropriate commission charges
In most states, the commission ranges from five to seven percent and is divided between the buying and selling agents. Ask agents about commission rates when listing a home or starting a new home search. This is an ideal method to ensure that all parties understand the agreement. Also, be sure to ask about the rate reductions offered, as some companies actually pass a percentage of the commission on to the seller or buyer.
Has experience in the area
A buyer who is interested in purchasing a full-time residence should choose an expert who specializes in selling these types of properties in the area. On the other hand, people looking for investment properties are better off working with someone who has been facilitating these types of deals with other investors for years. It is also important to note that most professionals in this industry have multiple specialties.
Even if a candidate meets these four qualities, arrange a face-to-face meeting with the in-home expert to get a complete picture of their skills and experience. Most professionals are more than happy to speak with potential clients to answer questions. Finding a real estate agent by following these guidelines will make the entire home buying or selling process much easier.
