Finding a good real estate agent is an uphill task. There are so many agents out there, and many of them will tell you whatever it takes to get your listing. But how can you tell which agents are the most trustworthy? You want to ensure that everyone who chooses to work with you knows exactly what they’re getting into and can trust their agent.
Here is a list of tips for finding the best real estate agent for your needs, whether buying or selling property.
Ask for referrals
When looking for a real estate agent, start with the people you know. Ask your friends and family who their favorite real estate agents are. If they don’t have one, ask them to give you the names of three agents that they would recommend. You can also ask coworkers if they know a good real estate agent in your area and see if anyone else recommends someone to consider hiring.
If none of these suggestions pan out, or if you don’t feel comfortable asking close friends or family members for referrals, ask other professionals who might know about good local real estate agents.
Do your research
You can ask your friends and family for recommendations. They may give you the names of agents they’ve worked with in the past or even tell you about realtors that were recommended to them when they were buying their home.
Look at online reviews of potential Kansas real estate agents before choosing one. Many online review sites contain valuable information about what it’s like working with a particular agent and whether she is trustworthy and reliable. You can also check out Google Maps or Facebook reviews from past clients as well.
Be sure to check out an agent’s website. Most agents will have a website that contains important details about their background experience, such as years spent selling real estate and rates charged per service provided.
Availability
Look for an agent who can be available when you need them. If they are not available, how do they get back to you?
How much time will the agent spend with you? Do they have a team of agents that can assist in your search for a new home? Who will communicate with you about the processes and procedures during your property search, and how does this communication take place? Will it be through email, telephone calls, text messages, or social media?
Tech-savvy
You want to ensure your agent is tech-savvy and has experience using the latest social media platforms, mobile apps, and websites. There are plenty of ways for real estate agents to market their listings online. If your agent isn’t up-to-date on these trends, you might miss out on opportunities for exposure and a quick sale.
Your real estate agent should also have an online presence so that consumers can easily find their business information and contact details.
You must have a solid plan
When searching for an agent, you want to ensure they have a solid plan. Agents often have different marketing strategies and negotiation strategies which can be good or bad depending on what you’re looking for. For example, if you are selling your home quickly and are not concerned with maximizing the value of your house, one agent may recommend putting it on the MLS immediately. They’ll then sell it as-is, while another may advise holding off until there’s more inventory in your area, so buyers don’t get discouraged by a lack of options.
The same goes for how long an agent should take to negotiate each step of the process. Some agents will want everything done quickly. Others will take their time because they prefer negotiating directly with clients instead of working through a broker.
In addition to having a well-thought-out plan and sharing it with you, it’s crucial that our agents treat us as individuals rather than just other clients. And this is where having unique goals comes into play. You want your real estate agents to guide you through every step of buying or selling your homes so you can feel confident knowing where you stand at all times.
Have a wide network connection
An agent with a wide network connection can help you find the right home. They will also introduce you to potential property buyers and even help sell it for you. A real estate agent with a wide network connection can also help you find a new home or any other residential or commercial property that interests you.
Check the agent’s record of experience
You should verify the agent’s track record and experience. Check the agent’s website for information about their experience. If they don’t have one, go to Google and search for them. Check out the agent’s social media pages as well. They may include a client list or other details about their past work.
Look for a full-time agent
You should look for a full-time agent. Full-time agents are more likely to be licensed and insured, have a track record of successful transactions, and be available when you need them. A full-time agent will likely spend more time on your transaction because they don’t have other responsibilities outside of real estate sales.
Inquire about their negotiation skills and what strategies they use when working with clients
Explore whether or not your agents communicate well with other professionals, such as contractors and lenders. This will help you better understand how smoothly things may go.
Get references and call them
Ask for the names of three past clients and call them. Ask them about the agent’s professionalism, timeliness, and ability to find a solution for their needs. Keep in mind that most people are likely to say positive things about an agent, so use these references as one piece of information in your decision-making process
Conclusion
Finding a trustworthy real estate agent is not always easy, but it is possible. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can find someone who will work hard for you and help you get top dollar for your home. Follow these tips on selecting an agent, and remember that finding a good one is worth every penny.
