When it comes to finding a real estate agent, it can be challenging to find the right one for you. Between all the billboards and signs on every corner, we know you want to cut through all the advertising hype. But how? In this blog we’ll outline the ways that you can go about getting past all the lingo, all the ads, and all the headshot photos, to find the right real estate agent for you.
- Ask people you trust.
Before you take to Google, think about whether or not someone you know has used a real estate agent recently. Even if you don’t know them well, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask them about their experience with their real estate agent. The relationship between you and your future real estate agent is one that you should take seriously. You have to know that you will be able to trust this person, and what better way to find an agent you’ll be able to trust then to ask people that you trust?
- Talk with recent clients.
Ask prospective real estate agents to provide a list of what they’ve listed and sold in the last year with contact information. You want to ask about what the listing price was and what the asking price was. If you’re selling, you want to find someone who specializes in what you’re selling. If you’re buying, you want to get a sense of how successful they are at getting you a home that’s close to your budget and what you want. If you’re selling, you will want to ask about how long the homes were on the market to get a sense of how long your home would be on the market.
- Interview your prospects.
Once you have a small list of potential agents, set up appointments for you to interview them. Let them know that you’re in the interview stage, and get ready to ask the following questions:
- Ask them about their experience.
A general rule of thumb is to look for a real estate agent with at least five years of experience. Anything less than that means that your agent will be learning on you, and you don’t want that. When it comes to real estate, there’s no degree or rigorous exam that can signify your agent is ready to help you buy or sell a house. They learn on the job, so you’ll want an agent with enough experience. You want an agent who is engaged in your area and price range.
- What is your marketing strategy for my needs?
As a seller, you want to know the ideas and basic strategy that the agent has to sell your home. Are they going to use a direct mail campaign? Are they going to utilize online listings and open houses? What do they think is best and why? What steps will they take to make sure your home is ready for sale? As a buyer, you need to know how the agent will search for your future home and how many homes they think you’ll see before you find the one you eventually buy.
- Ask how much they charge.
Don’t bother asking if the agent’s fee is negotiable because all real estate fees are negotiable. As a general rule of thumb, an agent should charge you anywhere from one to four percent to represent one side of a transaction, either the seller or the buyer.
- Make sure they guarantee success.
Last but not least, be sure to ask for a personal guarantee. If the real estate agent can’t or won’t guarantee performance and release you from a listing upon request, don’t hire them. Schreiner Realty is dedicated to serving the Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler areas. When you choose to partner with us for either buying or selling a home, you become part of our family. Call us today to get started!