Selling a house often feels like one of the most daunting tasks you may ever face. The idea of meeting with real estate agents and having to try to explain what your home is worth, knowing the whole time that they are just trying to sell it and make money on you.
Nobody wants to be taken advantage of in a situation like this, especially when it is one of the most important things happening in their lives right now or soon will be. So to find the right real estate agent whom you can trust, who you feel will not lead you wrong?
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Get recommendations
You can ask your friends and family members if they know of any real estate agents in the area. Contact your local real estate agents’ organization or go online to find agents who work in the area you want to buy.
It’s important to try to get recommendations from people you know and trust because you may need to share personal financial information with your agent so they can help you find a home that fits within your budget.
Interview at least three agents
You don’t have to interview a dozen real estate agents before you make a decision, but you should interview at least three. More than that can be time-consuming, but it’s not necessarily helpful since the differences between candidates won’t be as dramatic.
If you’re interviewing more than three agents, start asking yourself which of the candidates you like best. If there is one who stands out from the pack, your selection process is over. Otherwise, go home and think about all of the interviews for a day or two. Then, if there are any agents who stand out in your mind after that, call them and schedule another meeting to talk about their services in more depth.
Ask for evidence of training
The best agents continually invest in themselves and their careers by taking courses like a 75-hour real estate course and attending seminars to stay current on industry trends and changes. You want a real estate agent who knows what they’re doing, not someone who just got their license last week.
Determine your agent’s market knowledge and area of expertise
Determine your agent’s market knowledge and area of expertise. Ask about their business in your area and what their specialty is. (Some agents specialize in farm and ranch properties, others work mostly with residential buyers or sellers.)
You may want to look for an agent who has been around a while, so they have a track record of successful sales behind them. However, don’t dismiss newer agents out of hand; some agents who are brand-new may have come from another profession and bring skills from that world with them.
Ask about their marketing strategy
A good agent can tell you how they plan to market your home — or how they plan to help you find the right one. If they seem vague or unsure of themselves, keep looking. A good agent will have marketing materials on hand — including a customized plan for your property.
Check out their website
You’d think all agents have a website, but this isn’t the case. If you’re searching for a local agent, start by typing “real estate” in Google. You’ll see which agents are spending money on advertising and what sites those ads direct to. Then look for the agent’s website via Google Search (not Google Ads). What do you see? Is it easy to navigate? Does it provide helpful information? Does it showcase all of their listings? Does it provide any helpful information, like market statistics or tips on buying or selling? The agent’s website is a great way to get acquainted with an agent before ever speaking with them.
Read their reviews
The internet is filled with reviews of most professionals — and that includes real estate agents. Take advantage of this resource when you’re narrowing down your list of agents to contact.
Why should you read their reviews?
For one thing, they’ll show you a good cross-section of what past clients think about their experience working with that agent. Also, these reviews will give you insights into how the agent works and whether they’re a good fit for what you need.
What should you look for when you read their reviews?
An important thing to note is whether the agent gets positive reviews from clients who have the same needs as you do.
Finding a home can be a difficult decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Do your homework, ask the right questions, and you should be able to find a real estate agent who can help you get the home you want.