When you’re buying or selling a home, finding a real estate agent to guide you
through the process is crucial. But with so many agents vying for your attention
online, on social media and via yard signs, how do you choose the right one for your
needs?
Getting a recommendation from a friend or family member is the best way to go. But
if you’re not able to do that, there are other ways to find an agent with the
experience and knowledge to meet your homebuying or selling goals.
You can also ask friends and family who recently bought or sold a home about their
experience working with an agent. This is a great way to hear the good, the bad and
the ugly about an agent’s performance. But keep in mind that your friends and
family have different financial situations than you, and they may have different
priorities when it comes to buying or selling a home. So take what they say with a
grain of salt. Also read https://www.homebuyingguys.com/texas-dallas/
Another option is to drive around your neighborhood and look for real estate agent
names on for-sale and sold signs. These are signs that an agent is active in the area
and has a solid network of clients. If you like what you see, reach out to the agent for
more information.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential agents, start interviewing them.
Treat it like a job interview and ask important vetting questions, such as how long
they’ve been licensed and what their typical client is like. You should also ask for
references and examples of past work. Finally, make sure you get a clear
understanding of their services and fees.
If you’re a buyer, you should also be clear about what your expectations and
preferences are. For example, do you want to communicate primarily through phone
or email? Do you prefer face-to-face meetings or video calls? Also, make sure you
understand how the agent will market your home.
You should also discuss how you’ll work together. For example, you might want to
sign a buyer-broker agreement, which is a legal document that protects you as the
buyer. This agreement specifies that the agent is representing you as a client and
that you have agreed to pay their commission if the deal closes.
Once you’ve interviewed several agents and weighed all of your intel, it’s time to
make a decision. Be sure to keep your expectations and needs in mind as you select
an agent, and trust your instincts. With a little research, you’ll be able to find the
perfect real estate agent for your next big move. Good luck!