House Hunting? 5 Things to Look for in a Real Estate Agent
The
good news is that the current real estate market is excellent
for prospective buyers. However, with so many homes available,
finding the one that meets your needs can be like finding
a needle in a haystack. Choosing the right real estate agent
can make your house hunting experience a breeze and get
you into your dream home even quicker! Before you begin
the process of selecting a realtor, here are 5 things to
consider.
1. Reputation -Ideally, if you do not
already have a realtor contact, the best situation is to
have a friend, colleague or neighbor refer you to an agent.
Buying a home is a huge commitment and it is important to
work with someone that you trust who possesses a high degree
of experience and expertise. When someone who knows you
makes the referral, chances are that you and the agent with
have a good rapport.
2. Good Listener - One's home is typically
their most personal possession, which is why it is of vital
importance to have an agent who is an excellent listener.
Part of their job is to get to know you; understand your
needs, your likes, dislikes, and future goals. If your agent
makes several appointments for homes that just don't meet
your criteria, their listening skills could be in question,
and a switch may be in order.
3. Knows the Neighborhood - Another
part of the real estate agent's job is to be familiar with
the local market. They should be well versed in what has
been selling, where, and for how much. Good agents often
provide their clients with a list of comps. That is, a list
of recent home sales that are comparable to what you are
looking for.
4. Effective Communicator - In a nutshell,
your realtor should be clear and concise about how you will
communicate with each other. With so many options these
days, from e-mailing to texting, communicating with a realtor
should be a piece of cake. Quick responses to questions
and concerns can also be a factor in securing a purchase.
5. Accountability - Research the company
your real estate agent represents to ensure they are an
ethical, well-respected firm. It's not a bad idea to check
if there have been any complaints filed against them with
your local Better Business Bureau and Board of realtors.
Remember that your real estate agent works
for you. If you feel that they are not doing a good job,
do what any boss would do! When a realtor client relationship
works, you'll know it, and feel good about your choice.
Some other recent articles:
3
Things to Consider Before Shopping for a Home
What
is a Good Faith Estimate
Choosing
a Real Estate Agent
Items
to Review After a Home Inspection
5
Ways to Save for a Mortgage Downpayment
