Picking the right real estate agent is one of the most important steps to home buying and selling.

You need the best real estate agent to represent you and make your life easier.

The problem is, how do you find the best one? Keep reading because we’re going to tell you how.

Referrals

When you’re in the process of picking a real estate agent, the best referrals come from the people who have already worked with them.

If you’re searching for a real estate agent to handle your listing, don’t skip word of mouth referrals. Ask your friends and family if they recommend their former real estate agent.

It’s good for you to know someone who has worked first-hand with any potential real estate agents you might consider in the future.

In case you have someone close to offer you a referral, you should also consider asking a professional for referrals.

If you have previously met with a mortgage broker to discuss your options, you could ask them to recommend you some of the best real estate agents. Since they work in the industry, they have useful connections.

Conduct Research

If you get excellent referrals from your friends, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t conduct your own research. After all, you might find the best real estate agent for you if you do some searching on the internet.

Conduct a Google search for real estate agents in your area. You’ll find plenty of results for you to start your research.

Look for the agents who have listings similar to yours and narrow them down. Also, read the reviews and what people have to say about them.

Attend Open Houses

When attending open houses, you’ll get a real life glance at how a particular real estate agent works.

Remember to analyze the overall event. Is the presentation and staging of the home appealing? Did the agent offer educational materials about the home?

Also, don’t forget to take notes on the agent himself. Is the agent polite to all of those in attendance?

Observe how the agent works the room. Make sure the agent is knowledgeable, charismatic, and informative.

When you get the chance to talk to the agent, observe if he handles himself professionally.

If you’re looking for an agent to sell your home, take notes on how the agent highlights the features of the house. Does he make you want to buy it?

Track Record

When you’re trying to find the right real estate agent, you want someone with experience who knows how the industry works.

However, less experience is not always a bad thing, as long as they can produce results.

Ideally, you want an agent who has at least 5 years experience.

If you’re considering an agent with less experience, verify that they have a proven track record of transactions. You’ll want them to have done at least 1 to 2 transactions a month.

They should also demonstrate impeccable work ethic and customer service skills.

Conduct Interviews

You don’t want to settle for the first agent you meet. Like almost everything else you buy or do in life, you should evaluate your options.

If you like the first agent you meet, there’s no harm in meeting with others. It will only reinforce that you will make the right choice picking the first agent.

Try to interview at least three real estate agents before making a decision. Schedule to meet with the best real estate agents you scouted.

Ask The Right Questions

Before the scheduled interviews, you should prepare a list of questions to have ready for the agents.

Are there similar listings in my neighborhood?

A prepared real estate agent will bring a list of comparable listings in your area which are similar in features and price.

They’ll also include a detailed report of what houses have sold for in the past in the neighborhood and what the current market looks like.

How much do you think my house is worth?

A good real estate agent will give you a realistic price they would list your home for. They should be able to back up their answers as well.

What is your marketing strategy?

A real estate agent who thinks on his feet should provide you with a detailed idea for how to market your home.

In addition to these questions, you can also ask what their commission rate is, and other points you might think are relevant.

Verify Their Credentials

This goes without saying, but you’ll want to work with a licensed real estate agent on your listing.

Each state has different criteria and requirements for their real estate agents. Make sure you research your state’s real estate laws.

You can conduct an online search to see if your real estate agent is licensed in the state.

Check for other certifications including:

  • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
  • Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)
  • Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

At the end of the day, you want to make sure your potential realtor is licensed in the state where they intend to sell real estate.

Check Out Their Listings

These days most real estate searches are conducted online. You should check out your potential agent’s online listings and see what they have to offer.

Is the website professional and appealing? How to the other listings look? Do they make you want to look at the house in person?

It’s important that you look at all the details of their listing because that’s how the agent could potentially handle yours.

Also, take a look at the quality of the inventory. Are there a lot of houses in your area selling for the same price range?

All of the details matter when you’re trying to find the best real estate agent for your listing.

If you want to check an example of a well done real estate website, click to learn more.

Ready to Find the Best Real Estate Agent?

Picking the right real estate agent might seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it in the end.

If you want to get the most out of your investment or find the home of your dreams, then you need the right representation.

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