Whether buying or selling a home, finding the best real estate agent is crucial. An agent helps you through the buying or selling by answering myriad financial, tactical, and technical questions.
The right agent offers you a clear handle on the ins and outs of housing markets in your area.
Below are some places to find a real estate agent you can trust.
1. Identify an Agent With the Most Listings
One of the passive methods that can get you the best real estate agent is identifying the one with the most listings. An agent who’s dealt with multiple clients means they have amassed a wealth of experience over time.
However, be alert.
If they have a bulk of listings to work on, do they have the time to work with you? A good agent must balance their time well.
2. Ask Family and Friends for Referrals
Ask those in your network to recommend an agent with whom they’ve had a great experience. Ideally, it should be someone with experience working with clients like you.
Look out for certifications that show one’s expertise, like the ones below:
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)
- Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
3. Determine the Factors That Identify a Qualified Real Estate Agent
There are plenty of real estate agents. It’s advisable to establish the attributes that determine a qualified agent.
Things to consider include the following:
- Experience
- Credentials, as stated above
- Local markets familiarity
- Track record
- Accuracy in pricing
- Communication and customer service
- Cost
4. Interview at Least Three Agents
Now that you have some referrals, how do you determine the right agent? You definitely won’t flip a coin to get your pick.
It’s time to interview the agents.
Remember, buying or selling a home is an expensive legal transaction you don’t want to gamble with.
By asking the right questions, you’ll identify who is worth your time and who isn’t. Also, if there are areas you need clarification on, now’s the time to speak up. A worthy contender will be patient enough to answer all your queries.
5. Settle on Your Best Choice
Because you’ll spend some time with your agent for the next couple of months, you must choose the best fit. Settle on someone you can gel with, so to speak.
Even when they check all the right boxes, be sure that they help lower your stress levels. The right agent will have you settled while they ensure everything works out as planned.
After all, the last thing you’d want is someone that has you running around like a headless chicken.