Buying or selling a home is complicated and time-consuming without expert guidance and advice. A real estate agent can be a valuable asset, taking on many of the tasks and responsibilities of a real estate transaction. But how do you find a real estate agent? There are several ways to find the perfect business advocate for your unique goals as a buyer or seller.
What is a real estate agent?
Buying and selling a home can take painstaking effort, strategy, and time. Working with a real estate agent can alleviate stress and make the process seamless. The main goal of a real estate agent is to help people buy and sell homes while advocating for their unique needs. Many experienced agents can provide valuable support as their clients avoid common pitfalls and delays.
The challenge is finding a real estate agent who you can trust and who is talented enough to meet your needs. A real estate agent can help you find the perfect home or sell your property and negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible price. The best agents will also handle all the paperwork and logistics involved in a real estate transaction.
Finding a local expert
It can seem like real estate agents are similar, but there are different qualifications and certifications that indicate differences in knowledge, specialty, and skill. While real estate agents have the same fundamental goal — to serve clients — some are better suited for luxury properties and have better results. When you are ready to purchase or sell a property, here is how to find a real estate agent.
Ask for referrals
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
One way to find a real estate agent is by asking your friends and family for referrals. If you know someone who has recently bought or sold a property, they may be able to recommend an excellent real estate agent they worked with. Acquaintances can provide first-hand accounts of their experiences and share their thoughts on different agents.
You can also ask your professional network for recommendations if you don’t know anyone who has recently worked with a real estate agent. Other professionals in the industry, such as mortgage brokers or home inspectors, may have recommendations for qualified agents. You can also ask your financial advisor, lawyer, or accountant. These professionals often work with real estate agents and can give you an honest opinion about their experience.
Research high-performing agents in your area
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
You can also find an agent by researching top agents in local areas like Naples. You can examine metrics such as an agent’s number of homes sold, average days on the market, or total value of homes sold. You can also look at customer reviews and testimonials to understand an agent’s customer service skills. Look for agents who have been recognized by their peers or have received awards. Once you have a list of potential agents, you can reach out to them and set up appointments for interviews.
Talk with several experts
After you have compiled a list of potential agents, it’s important to interview them to find the perfect fit. This will help you determine if they are knowledgeable about the market and if they have experience with the type of property you are interested in buying or selling. Even though an agent may be highly skilled and successful, it does not mean they will fit your personality or unique home well.
When speaking with potential real estate agents, ask questions like:
Agent’s background
-
How long have you worked in the area?
-
How long have you been an agent?
-
What are your credentials?
Agent’s specialties
-
What neighborhoods or property types do you specialize in?
-
Do you work with a team or independently?
-
What percentage of your business are buyers/sellers?
Agent’s professionalism
-
How many clients do you work with at a time?
-
How will you discover and assess my needs?
-
What communication methods do you use?
-
What challenges do you think I will face in buying or selling my home?
What to look for when searching for an agent
As you research agents and speak with them about your needs, there are some distinct qualities that you can look for in a successful real estate agent.
Experience
An experienced agent will have a wealth of knowledge to share about the buying or selling process. They will have worked with many clients, including first-time homebuyers, those looking to upgrade or downsize, and investors. That breadth of experience helps them anticipate your needs and make the best decisions.
Ideally, the agent you work with will be connected. They will have established relationships with other professionals in the industry, such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and lawyers, who can help with your process. Look for agents with experience moving properties like the one you wish to buy or sell. In a luxury market, an agent should know how to buy and sell luxury homes, waterfront properties, and any properties that match your preferences.
Marketing skills
Photo courtesy of Pexels
One important quality to look for in a real estate agent is marketing skills. Marketing is essential if you want to list your home for sale. A good agent will know how to market your home to potential buyers via traditional or digital marketing tactics. They will reach the right people, price your home correctly, and stage it for showings.
Local market knowledge
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
It is essential to find an agent with market knowledge. They should know about the different neighborhoods in the area and what amenities are available. They should also be familiar with the schools in the area and the commute to different parts of town. Furthermore, they should understand the local economy and trends that affect the real estate market.
Vincent Branda is a licensed real estate broker and Naples native with years of experience buying and selling luxury Naples real estate. Vincent can help you pinpoint your goals and create custom buying and selling strategies for optimal results. Reach out today to find out exactly how Vincent will achieve your specific goals.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Share:
