When choosing a real estate agent, it's critical that you know what to look for so that you can make an educated decision. Fortunately, with a little common sense and some research, you can find someone who will meet your needs and budget throughout the home sale process. Here are 7 tips for choosing a trusted real estate agent to sell your house.
1- Ask Around
Your friends, family members, and others may know someone who will offer timely, affordable, and professional services. If you know someone who is a real estate agent, it may be a good idea to simply use that person, as you already have a quality rapport.
2- Look for Options Online
The internet can be a great resource to find qualified real estate agents in your area. You may also be able to find reviews, verify credentials, and take other steps prior to reaching out to your top three or four prospective realtors.
3- Talk With Multiple Agents
As with choosing any other type of service provider, it's a good idea to consult with multiple agents before hiring someone. Doing so enables you to get an idea of how much a quality agent charges, if you have any chemistry with a given agent, and to decide if a given agent has experience dealing with your unique needs.
4- Look for Agents Who Specialize in Your Segment
If you're selling your starter home, you probably have a smaller or less expensive home. Furthermore, buyers may also be interested in down payment assistance and other ways to defray the cost of buying your home. Ultimately, you would want someone who is knowledgeable about any issues that might influence the sale of your house.
5- Ask How an Agent Communicates
Ideally, an agent will commit to communicating as much as you need to through whichever methods are most convenient for you. For instance, if you can only talk at night by phone, your agent should be able to set some time aside for a nightly phone call. If you can only talk during the day by email, you should be able to have a written conversation with ease.
6- Look at How Many Homes an Agent Has Sold
During a consultation, you should ask how many homes an agent has sold and how long it took to complete the buying process. This will give you a good idea as to whether an agent can work in an effective and timely manner.
7- Listen to What Your Gut Tells You
Ultimately, your decision will come down to how you feel about a given person after that first meeting. If you feel like you can trust one agent over the others you have reached out to, that's the person you should choose.
Selling your home is one of the most consequential events in your life. Therefore, it's critical to have someone by your side who understands your needs and will serve as a true partner. Having someone represent your interests means that you can focus on other important tasks, such as getting your kids enrolled in school or simply decorating your house after the big move is complete.
