Finding the RIGHT AGENT for ME
Finding the RIGHT AGENT for ME
How do I find the Right Agent for me and my needs? This isn’t an easy question to answer. This isn’t about getting the top producing agent or the agent living next door. This is about getting the right agent - for you and your needs. This is a very important decision for one of the biggest decisions you will make.
You only get one agent, so you’ve got to make it a good one.
I’m not suggesting to you not to use a new agent (they may be the perfect agent for you), but you will save yourself a lot of time and lost sleep if you search for that perfect agent correctly.
So where do I even start looking - correctly?
5 things to learn about real estate agents
1. Real agents are free.
Real estate agents only make money when they close the deal for you. If an agent attempts to charge you editing, copying, or printing fees - RUN - RUN - RUN! If an agent wants to charge you a fee for questions - Pass on them. Real Estate is a service and most of the service provided by agents are free to you.
2. Agents love to talk, but…
Wow, agents can talk and talk and talk. Yes, if you are listing your house for sale then you most definitely what an agent that can talk; but whether you are listing to sell or looking to buy, you want an agent that can listen to you. You need your agent to hear you when you tell them what your wish lists are in a home or how quickly you need to sell. Remember, the agent is working for you.
3. Online presence
The Internet plays a huge role in all real estate services. When you are planning a vacation, you search out your destination online, and when people are wanting to buy a home they turn to the internet to scope out your property. Whether we are on our laptops or cellphones, we search everything these days from restaurants to gym memberships - and real estate is no different.
When you are deciding on an agent, search their name and see if they post on social media, so your property will get the most exposure.
When to PASS: If you’ve stumbled on an agent’s name and cannot find anything at all about them or what they represent, don’t pursue further. Find another agent. Agents who are looking for new clients to represent make themselves available. Those who don’t, don’t.
4. Agent licensing
Both real estate agents and their brokers are licensed with their state. This means they undergo training and are required to pass a state license exam before they can be involved with any real estate transactions. You can search an agent or broker on the states real estate commission website for license information and whether they have judgements/disciplinary actions closed or pending against them.
4. Market data
Agents have a wealth of data at their fingertips, but do they know what it means. Can the agent tell you if its the right time to sell or buy and why? Can the agent tell you what other properties in the neighborhood sold for and how long they were on the market. Knowledge of the local market is essential in pricing property and what it will take to set your property apart from all the others.
5. See them in action
There is no better way to get a feel for how the agent works than to see them in action. Ask them advice and gauge their reaction and response. Call them and have a cup of coffee to discuss your future real estate transactions (agents will talk to you if you want to buy a home now or 3 years from now). If you know the agent is hosting an open house near by, stop by and watch how they interact with other potential clients.
Remember that these five things will help you choose the right agent and find the property you've always dreamed of. You don’t want to make mistakes about your agent selection and miss out on your property choices.
If you live in Palm Beach County, Florida or the surrounding areas; I would love to have that cup of coffee and listen to your real estate needs.
Have a Beautiful Day!!!
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