Buying or selling a home can be stressful or even confusing, especially if it’s your first time doing so. In fact, even if you’ve done it all before, you might still not be familiar with all of the processes and documentation involved. Thus, if you want a smooth and hassle-free transaction, it’s best to work with the best—the real estate experts.
The thing is, choosing a real estate agent can also be a challenge simply because there are too many to choose from. To help you decide, here’s a list of the things you should look for to find a real estate agent that can meet your needs:
1. Responsiveness
Whether you’re buying or selling a home for the first or the tenth time, it’s inevitable that you’re going to have questions. A good real estate agency (and real estate agent, for that matter) should be the accommodating sort, responding to your questions within a reasonable time frame.
They should also be gracious and polite, treating every inquiry with the same level of importance. Real estate experts understand that there are no stupid questions. Of course, you should also do your part and take note of important details. (You also shouldn’t deliberately pester your agent!)
2. Uses Data and Software Tools
If a Realtor is any good, you can expect them to have multiple clients. This means that they’re going to be juggling tens or even hundreds of documentation requirements, negotiations, client meetings, and a lot more.
To help keep things streamlined and more efficient, a competent real estate agent will employ tools like lead generation and CRM software. They should also be paying attention to real estate agent performance metrics. With the proper use of data, a brokerage or agency can hire the best real estate professionals and provide the best services to their clients.
Don’t be shy about asking what kinds of tools a real estate agent is using. They won’t be revealing anything confidential anyway, and it’s within your rights to know if they will be able to give you the quality service you deserve.
3. Honesty and Integrity
Among the most important components of a successful career in real estate (or any industry, for that matter) are honesty and integrity. Real estate experts will never shortchange their clients. What’s more, they’re honest about budgets, legal issues, and other matters that will affect the sale. They will tell you, without any sugar-coating, how much your property is really worth or what kind of home you can afford with your money.
Of course, you can never be 100% sure about an agency until you work with them. Still, a competent agency’s reputation will precede it; if they’re any good, you’ll probably hear about them even when you ask around for recommendations or referrals.
4. Knowledge About the Local Market
A top real estate agent should be knowledgeable about the local market where the property is located. This way, they could give you a customized strategy for buying or selling and make sure you’re getting the best value for your investment. In fact, if the local market isn’t in a good state, a competent agent will advise you against buying or selling at the moment.
5. Initiative
Speaking of knowledge about the real estate market and industry, a competent agency will share with you their insider knowledge even without you having to ask for them. They will also be proactive in reaching out and following up just in case you haven’t gotten back to them about certain matters. If they think they have some details you’ll be interested in, they’re going to send it to you (with your prior consent, of course).
A good real estate agent will also ask you about your preferred communication method, whether that’s through phone calls, emails, or messages via an app.
6. Understands Your Needs
It’s already a given that real estate experts know more than you do about the intricacies of the market. Still, at the end of the day, it’s you who’s buying or selling a property. Thus, a competent real estate agent will always consider and understand your needs.
In fact, before they even share their recommendations with you, they should take note of your requirements from the very beginning. This way, they can give you tailor-fit advice and help you make the best choices.
Aside from looking for these qualities, there’s also one other important thing you should remember when looking for a real estate agency: be patient. Meet with at least three agencies and treat it like a job interview. Ask the same questions so you can make clear-cut comparisons before you make a decision.
It can be tempting to just go with the first real estate agent you meet, especially if you’re in a rush to buy or sell. However, it will ultimately be more beneficial if you really take the time to find a company that’s a good match for both your personality and your needs.
Good luck!
