Finding the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll
make when buying a home. And with so many agents vying for your business via
online ads, billboards and yard signs, it can be hard to determine which one is the
best fit.
When interviewing potential agents, look for a few key things. For starters, find out
how long they’ve been in the industry and how many homes (on average) they sell
each year. You can also ask them about their local market knowledge, as this will
help you gauge how knowledgeable they are in the neighborhood where you want to
live.
In addition, find out what their clients have to say about them. You can do this by
asking for references or requesting client reviews on social media. Ideally, you’ll
want to work with an agent who specializes in the type of property you’re selling or
buying. This way, they have experience with the unique situations that can arise
during these types of transactions. For example, first-time buyers may need extra
guidance throughout the process, while sellers often face multiple offers on their
home. For more info https://www.texascashhousebuyer.com/
Another thing to keep in mind is that real estate agents are required to have a
license in order to conduct business, but the specific requirements vary by state.
Look for an agent with a license that’s valid in your area and who has completed the
necessary education and testing.
During your interviews, pay close attention to how responsive the agent is. If they
don’t return your calls or texts in a timely manner, it can be difficult to communicate
and can hold up the process. It’s also important to find out whether they will listen to
you and your needs, and that they’ll be honest with you about the properties you’re
looking at.
You might also want to ask the agent about their career path. Real estate is a bit of
an apprenticeship business, with new agents starting out working under savvy
veterans. You’ll want to find out how long they’ve been in business and if their
mentors have helped them build up their expertise.
Finally, ask the agent to provide you with a list of the homes they’ve sold or listed in
your area in the past year along with contact information for their clients. Reach out
to these people and ask them about their experiences with the agent, including how
well they managed the transaction.
Another great resource is Google reviews. If an agent has been around for some
time, they should have plenty of Google reviews that you can read through.
However, it’s important to remember that not all reviews are created equal. Some
are more trustworthy than others, and it’s important to read each review carefully
before making a decision. For instance, research suggests that some reviews are
inflated by customers who simply default to five stars, rather than writing about
what they actually experienced.