Buying or selling a home is a tough task without much help. It is often recommended to pick the right real estate agent to help you with the process. They will do much of the work, help you manage time and offer great deals for you!
Here are five tips to help you choose the right one!
1. Meet with the Agent and Talk About Your Plans
Even if you are busy, make time to meet with your agent personally, says Fox News. By doing so, you can assess him face to face and immediately feel if you can have a smooth working relationship with him.
Tell him your goals so that it would be clear in the beginning, leaving little or no room for gray areas. If you are looking for a house, tell him your criteria: your chosen neighborhood, desired style and comfortable budget. On the other hand, if you are selling a house, tell him specific instructions: maximum discount allowed, net price you want to receive, furnishing details and buyer's preferred manner of payment.
2. Clarify the Agent's Services and Commission
It is important for you to know what duties are included in his service as well as the corresponding professional fee for them, advises Chicago Tribune. You don't want both parties to feel shortchanged in the end.
3. Ask Former Clients for Feedback
According to Bankrate, it is a good idea to ask the agent's former clients for feedback. This way, you will get to know more about him and how he treats other clients. You can also gauge how long the agent can sell your property.
You may do this even before setting up an appointment with the agent. That way, you can clarify issues and give him a chance to explain his side.
4. Check the Agent's Portfolio
By looking at his portfolio, you'll know the areas he is more knowledgeable of. It will also give you a glimpse of his past work and experience or if he is a member of a reputable professional organization for real estate. You can also ask him how he does his business: Does he have an assistant to help him with his listings?
Kiplinger recommends to pick an agent with at least one assistant to back him up. You do not want a real estate agent spreading himself too thin.
5. Ask and Assess His Initial Advice
After informing your agent about your plans, ask for his initial advice and assess if it could be helpful and constructive for you. Don't be hard on him if his advice was contrary to what you were expecting to hear. For instance, if you are selling a house, he might say that you are selling it for a high price. It is even wiser to have an agent who is honest and sincere than someone just patronizing you. Be cautious also in picking an agent offering to sell your property for quite a high price in a very short time, says Kiplinger.
