Whether you are buying your first home or selling an existing one, the transaction will go much more smoothly if you have a professional real estate agent at your side throughout the entire process. But with so many real estate agents to choose from, it can be difficult to settle on one. Thankfully, experts in this profession have outlined some great tips on how to find a real estate agent that is right for you.
Make a list of what you expect out of an agent
Your mission to find a real estate agent should begin with a list of what you want in an agent. Of course, you’ll want someone who works hard and is honest. But there are a great number of other attributes to consider.
Depending on your age, you might want an agent that is savvy with social media marketing. Or you might feel that joining forces with someone who uses a more traditional approach is better suited. Do you want someone that will be reachable on a whim? Has an assistant that can easily answer your concerns and questions? What about an agent that works with a team of other realtors?
Knowing what you want from an agent will help narrow your search. As soon as you discover the qualities you want them to have, you’re one step closer to knowing how to find a real estate agent.
Some of the best professional relationships begin from referrals
Word of mouth is one of the best forms of advertising. When it comes to a professional like a real estate agent, personal recommendations go really far. An agent that has done well for clients over the years will have earned a great reputation. Your close friends and relatives can help you find a realtor in this way. Begin by asking them to share their experiences with agents they’ve used previously.
Additionally, you’ll discover that there is a great deal of other professionals who will know and refer their favorite agents to you. Attorneys, home inspectors, contractors, and others are all involved in the real estate process at different times. Banking professionals also deal with agents daily and undoubtedly know a good number of them.
Getting a referral for a real estate agent from folks who deal with them in professional settings is a solid way to get introduced to one that will help with your real estate needs.
Be sure to interview several agents before you decide on one to work with
It’s important to get referrals to several different agents before you decide on who to work with. While there is no set number on how many you should consider, it’s wise to get perspectives from different ones beforehand. This way, you’ll be able to make a more well-rounded opinion on how to proceed.
You’ll want to ask each agent a series of questions to better understand how they will approach your transaction. What questions you ask will depend on whether or not you are buying or selling.
As a seller, you will want to have the agent discuss their marketing strategy in detail. How marketing savvy they are can determine how quickly they can find a qualified buyer for your property. It can also impact how much your home can eventually sell for. As your potential selling agent, you’ll also want them to discuss their professional contacts with the closing attorneys, contractors you might need for repairs, and others that will be involved in the process. You will also want to discuss commission and fees with these agents, as what they take off the top at closing can vary from broker to broker.
But if you’re buying, you will need an agent that is focused on other avenues. How good are they at negotiating offers and counteroffers? How familiar are they with the various neighborhoods within the community you are buying into? Are they good at negotiating with selling agents? And how well-versed are they with the current housing stock?
Once you’ve chosen a real estate agent, you’ll be in good hands
If you are buying a home, your agent will get to work finding a home that matches your needs. You’ll sit down with them and review what you absolutely must have in a home, as well as some amenities that you’d want as a bonus. They will help you with the pre-approval process, so you’ll know how much home you can afford. With all the above information, your new agent will scour the listings for homes that match your criteria and budget.
As a seller, your agent will review what steps you need to take with your property to get it ready for sale. They may recommend a deep cleaning, remedy any deferred maintenance issues, and arrange for professional photographs and videos. Trust their judgment. After all, they came highly recommended to you.
A great agent will be with you from the start of the process all the way to the end. No matter who you contract with, be open with your thoughts and never hesitate to ask any questions that will pop up along the way. Your agent is not only there to help you buy/sell a home but also to give you peace of mind.
The bottom line
Buying and selling homes can be as exciting as it is stressful, especially when considering properties in Dorado, Palmas del Mar, and San Juan homes for sale. The legal work that must be done to acquire property is extensive and is best conducted with the guidance of a real estate professional. An agent like Maria Isabel Santiago has worked as both a buying and selling agent and will put her years of experience to work in helping you sell your property or find the home of your dreams.