The real estate agent you choose to work with is a critical partner during one of the
most financially significant and stressful parts of your life. The right agent can make
the process smooth and efficient. However, not all agents are created equal. You
should take some time to select the best possible agent for your needs.
When looking for an agent, start by asking for referrals from people who have
bought or sold homes recently in your area. Ask about the experience they had with
the agent and whether they would recommend them. Also, check out online reviews.
Both local and national review websites are good places to start your search.
You should also find out how long an agent has been in business and see if they
have a track record of closed deals, both sales and listings. Check their website or
social media for this information, as well as how many transactions they’ve
completed in your price range.
If they have a lot of recent listing activity, it’s a good sign that they’re active in the
market. Also, if they’re selling a property in your neighborhood, that’s another
positive sign.
Once you’ve gotten some referrals and done your research, meet with a few
potential agents to discuss your needs and what they can offer. Ask questions about
their background and training, and be sure to discuss commission rates. Also, find
out if they have any specialties or niches that they focus on and what their expertise
Interviewing agents in person can be helpful because you’ll get a feel for their
personality and communication style. Some agents are more hands-on, while others
prefer to communicate via phone or text. Some even have part-time jobs or rely on
assistants to handle their clients. Make sure you and your agent are on the same
page about how you’ll communicate, and that they understand your expectations.
You should also look for an agent with a strong network and who knows the
neighborhoods you’re interested in buying or selling. This is particularly important in
highly competitive markets like New York City or San Francisco.
It’s always a good idea to avoid family members or friends as your real estate agent.
Not only does this put you at an emotional disadvantage, but it can also be a major
conflict of interest. For example, if your aunt’s daughter is an agent and you’re in
the market to buy a luxury apartment on the Upper East Side, that could be a
problem.
