There are lots of agents out there. They all say they want to work for you and will do “whatever it takes!” But how do you know when you’ve found the right one? What should you look for in a Realtor?
We have put together our Top 5 signs of a great real estate agent!
They should ALWAYS come highly recommended…
Ask your friends, family, and people you know who have recently bought or sold a house. Not just for the names of agents they know, but people who have recently gone through the process and worked with someone great. Read online reviews and see what people are saying about them. An experienced agent should have plenty of 5-star reviews on different real estate sites. Do your homework and research a few agents before you settle on one. Remember, you will be committed to this agent for months at a time while they attempt to sell your home, so you need to be sure you are working with someone you can count on!
When embarking on the journey of buying or selling a house, it’s crucial to have a reliable and experienced real estate agent by your side. One effective way to find a trustworthy agent is by reaching out to your network, including friends and family, who have recently gone through the home-buying or selling process. Instead of just asking for names, inquire about their experiences and whether they worked with someone exceptional. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights into an agent’s professionalism, communication skills, and overall effectiveness.
Additionally, delving into online reviews is a crucial step in the research process. Explore various real estate websites and platforms to read what clients are saying about different agents. An experienced and competent agent should have a track record of positive reviews, often earning them a solid reputation in the industry. These reviews can offer perspectives on an agent’s negotiation skills, market knowledge, and ability to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions.
Conducting thorough research on a few prospective agents before making a decision is imperative. Look for key qualities such as responsiveness, transparency, and a proven record of successful deals. Keep in mind that you’ll be entrusting this agent with the sale or purchase of your home, a process that can span several months. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you’re partnering with someone you can rely on and feel confident working with throughout the entire real estate journey. Taking the time to choose the right agent can significantly impact the smoothness and success of your real estate transaction.
They should be tech-savvy…
People shop online for their homes. Your agent should have a visible presence on the major real estate websites. They should know how to get your listing seen by the right people, which platforms work the best, and how to use photography to sell the house. They should be able to text or email back and forth with you without any communication issues. How they are presenting themselves online, is how they will present your house. If they have only set up basic profiles, and have missing information of photos, they could take the same approach with your listing. Make sure they have the skills to present your property in the best possible light!
In the digital age, the online presence of a real estate agent is a critical factor in successfully marketing and selling a home. When choosing an agent, it’s essential to ensure that they have a strong and visible presence on major real estate websites. This includes being adept at leveraging platforms that attract the right audience for your property. A skilled agent should be knowledgeable about which online channels work best for your specific market and understand how to optimize your listing for maximum visibility. Photography is another crucial aspect of online property marketing, and a proficient agent should have a keen eye for capturing your home’s best features. High-quality photos can significantly impact a potential buyer’s first impression, making it vital for the agent to showcase your property in the best possible light through visually appealing images. Effective communication is key in real estate transactions, and a modern agent should be capable of seamless interaction through various channels. They should be responsive to text messages and emails, ensuring that communication is smooth and timely throughout the entire process. This proficiency in communication extends not only to you, the homeowner but also to potential buyers and other parties involved in the transaction.
Moreover, an agent’s online presentation is indicative of how they will present your property. If they have well-crafted and detailed online profiles with quality photos, it reflects their commitment to marketing properties effectively. Conversely, if their online presence is lacking or incomplete, it could be a red flag regarding their approach to marketing your home. In essence, your real estate agent should possess the digital skills necessary to navigate the online landscape successfully. This includes not only having a strong presence on real estate platforms but also utilizing effective communication methods and leveraging photography to create a compelling online representation of your property. Choosing an agent with these capabilities increases the likelihood of a successful and well-promoted home sale.
They should ALWAYS be working. At least they appear to be…
Real estate can be cutthroat. Your agent has to be someone who is working hard, all the time! They should be someone with big goals and who shows an impeccable drive. How you do one thing is how you do everything, and someone who appears to be chasing down a dream, will likely be someone who works hard to make you happy. They should be sending you information at 2 am when they think of something new. (By email of course!) They should be keeping you updated and checking in with you often as new buyers come forward.
Real estate is a competitive and dynamic field, and having an agent with a strong work ethic and unwavering dedication is crucial. A successful real estate agent is someone who works diligently, consistently striving to achieve their goals. Their drive and commitment are indicative of their passion for their profession, suggesting that they will apply the same level of effort and dedication to every aspect of their work, including selling your home.
The pursuit of big goals often reflects a proactive and ambitious mindset, traits that can benefit you as a homeowner. An agent with a clear vision and ambitious aspirations is likely to bring a proactive approach to marketing and selling your property, constantly seeking innovative strategies to attract potential buyers.
Effective communication is key in the real estate process, and a dedicated agent should be responsive and available even outside regular business hours. The fact that they are willing to send you information or updates at odd hours demonstrates their commitment to staying on top of the latest developments and ensuring that you are well-informed throughout the entire process. Regular check-ins and updates are also signs of a committed and attentive agent. As the market evolves and new buyers emerge, a proactive agent will keep you informed about any relevant changes and opportunities. This regular communication not only helps you stay in the loop but also fosters a strong working relationship, ensuring that you are comfortable and confident in your agent’s efforts.
They know the neighborhood…
Better yet, they live in the neighborhood or nearby. Having a real knowledge of the area will help them to best market your home. They will have an understanding of the local demographics and what they are looking for in a home. They will be able to answer all questions about the neighborhood and be able to sell the location to potential buyers. If they love the area, they will be able to convey to others why they will too.
They take it seriously…
Professionalism goes a long way. Working with someone who is always punctual, who keeps their appointments, and who follows through goes a long way. If your agent is frantic, running around, and appears scattered… they probably are. Work with someone who properly manages their time, and is focused on you and your needs when you are meeting. They should be able to update you on nearby sales, interest in your home, and what they are doing to actively sell your house!
Remember, at the end of the day, real estate agents are salesmen. They want to sell your home to make their commission. Make sure you do not fall for false promises or over-inflated listing prices. Instead, look for knowledgeable agents, who have great reviews and can educate and walk you through the entire selling process!