Are you looking for a new place to live? A real estate agent or broker, who serves as their guide, advisor, and even confessor, is used by 88 percent of homebuyers. However, with over 2 million active real estate agents and brokers in the United States, it’s difficult to determine which one is suitable for you.
We can assist you. When looking for a real estate agent to assist you buy or sell a home, here are some actions to take and questions to ask.
Independent Referrals from Roundup:
According to the National Association of Realtors, 86% of purchasers plan to use the same strategies in order to buy condo in tulum again or suggest them to others. So start gathering names of agents who have won the trust and respect of the people you like at cocktail parties, PTA meetings, and family reunions.
If you’re looking for a property in a specific region, such as Decatur, look online for suggestions for good real estate brokers who commonly buy and sell homes in the area.
Examine your credentials:
To buy and sell homes, real estate agents must be licensed by the state, which entails taking an exam that assesses their understanding of laws and best practices. Every few years, licenses must be renewed, and each state has its own renewal schedule and criteria, such as continuing education classes.
Contact your state’s department of professional and occupational regulations to see if the real estate agent you’re considering is licensed or has been penalized by a state review board.
In Georgia, for example, you should inquire for your real estate agent’s name and license number. Then check to see if they’re in good standing using this website. When the results display, click on the license number to discover if the agent has received any disciplinary action.
Experience is a must:
Of course, everyone has to start somewhere, and a fresh real estate agent can handle transactions just well. When it comes to handling the various problems and challenges that arise when purchasing or selling a home, however, nothing matches experience.
Choose an agent that can help you deal with any closing issues that may arise, as well as provide advise on how to best prepare your house for sale. A seasoned realtor also has a vast network of contacts that they will tap into to assist you in buying or selling a home. For example, several members of the Keen Team have worked in the industry for almost 15 years.
Investigate the Track Records:
Inquire about recent sales in your area from prospective agents.
- In the last year, how many homes have they sold?
- How many homes have they sold for more than or less than the asking price?
- (This reflects how realistically the agent/owner set the price.)
- In your neighborhood, how many houses did the agent sell?
- (This indicates how well the agent understands your specific location.)
Examine the current listings:
The Internet makes it simple to find out how many and what kind of listings your potential agent currently handles. You want an agent who is in high demand, but not so much so that they can’t devote the time and attention your home requires.
Examine current listings to see whether they match your home, indicating that the agent has experience selling homes similar to yours. What is the average number of days each listing has been on the market? The national median is 66, so if the agent consistently sells properties in 50 days or less, they’re doing a fantastic job; if they sell a house in 10 days or less, they may be underpricing homes (or the neighborhood might be particularly hot).
Look on the internet:
Because 85 percent of all purchasers first see their future homes online, be sure your agent is web savvy.
Examine the agent’s website to ensure that each listing is presented in an appealing and thorough manner. Choose an agent who is active on social media, which is becoming an increasingly important marketing tool.
Is there a Facebook page for the agent? Is the agent a regular blogger who regularly tweets about new listings? You want an agent who makes good use of all of the resources available to them.
Examine the chemistry:
You’ll probably be spending a lot of time with your agent, driving around neighborhoods and looking at houses, so make sure you get along.
Is the agent thorough in his or her answers during the courtship? Does he or she call you back within a day? If you don’t feel special before signing the exclusive representation agreement, you won’t feel special during the time it takes to find or sell a home.
Customers Who Are Satisfied:
Request the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers from the representative. Make contact with previous clients.
Inquire about the length of time their home was on the market. Was the house sold for more or less than the asking price? At closing, how well-prepared was the agent? Did the agency have a list of contractors that assisted with the home’s preparation for sale?