Buying or selling real estate is a big financial commitment, so it is important to choose the agent you work with wisely. Knowing what to look for in a real estate agent will help ensure the purchase or sale process runs as smoothly and optimally as possible and that you avoid some of the common pitfalls.
To help you find the right real estate agent for you, in this article, we will look at the four top things to consider when choosing a real estate agent. Let’s begin.
1. Reputation
Clearly, you will want to work with a reputable agent and brokerage. There are a few quick and easy ways to check the reputation of the agents you are considering.
A good place to start is by checking their reviews on platforms like HAR, Zillow and Google. Go beyond the average star ratings and read some of the comments, including negative and positive ones.
Next, check out their social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram and their website if they have one. How do they conduct themselves online? Does their website look clean and professional?
Finally, has this real estate agent won any awards or accreditations? If they have been recognized in some way by industry experts, then this is a pretty clear indicator that they are good at what they do.
2. Experience
It’s a good idea to check how long the real estate agents you’re considering have been in business. If they have over a decade of experience along with a solid reputation, this is a good sign that they’ll have the skills and professionalism you’re after.
Also, do they have experience with the specific property type you want to buy or sell? For instance, if you are planning to buy a newly built home, consider looking for agents who are either new home specialists or often work with new homes.
Look at their past and present listings to get an idea. Also, pay attention to how well they write descriptions for the real estate they promote and the quality of the photographs used. You’re looking for a detail-oriented agent who knows how to present and market properties well online.
3. Locality
Ideally, you want an agent who works in the location you want to buy or sell. This is because they will have a much better knowledge of the local area and real estate market than any agent from the outside could ever have.
It also comes down to trust. A real estate agent who has lived and worked in the local area for many years is directly tied to the community where you want to do business, meaning they are more accountable and trustworthy.
That’s why Milica Vasiljevic, a real estate agent in Houston, Texas, uses her deep understanding of the Houston area and nearly two decades of experience to help her local clients turn their property dreams into reality.
4. Are They a Good Match?
Finally, once the real estate agents you are considering have passed your initial screening process, i.e., they have everything we’ve discussed above, you’ll want to do some interviews to see if they are a good match.
It’s important to ensure the real estate agent you choose is someone with whom you are going to be able to work well. Speak to them face-to-face, either in person or over a video call, to gauge how well they communicate and whether your personalities work together or clash.
And remember, never be afraid to switch to a different real estate agent if the one you are working with isn’t meeting your expectations!
Are you looking to buy, sell, or relocate in Houston and need a real estate agent with the experience and a proven reputation to ensure your success? If so, contact Milica today to find out if she is the perfect match for your needs.