Choosing the right real estate agent will help you cut off your buying or selling experience. If you are buying, a skilled agent will help you find the right home at the right price, effectively negotiate and guide you through a smooth closure process. If you are selling, the right agent can help you to strategically sell your property and attract qualified buyers. Whether you’re moving from your NYC apartment to your first home or listing your home in top dollar listing, it’s important to choose the right real estate agent.
This guide breaks down what to look for, what to ask, and what to avoid. So you can really hire a real estate agent who has your back.
1. Understand what a real estate agent does
Real estate agents will guide you to dealing with home buying and selling, pricing, negotiation, paperwork and closures. Here’s a quick breakdown of their roles:
Buyer agents express their interest when purchasing a home. The seller’s agent (or listing agent) will sell your property and negotiate the sale. In some states, one agent allows dual agencies that represent both buyers and sellers.
How real estate agents will support you when you buy a home
It helps you create competitive offers. A good agent will guide you to make strong and competitive offers while checking your budget and negotiating with the seller. Describe the market situation: They help you understand whether it is a buyer or seller’s market, and what to expect in offers, bid wars, timelines. Find the right home on your budget. Agents will help you focus on your price range with priorities and focus on homes that suit your needs, affordable prices and lifestyle.
How a real estate agent will support you when selling your home
Recommendations for home improvements: A knowledgeable agent will suggest an update to your home improvements to help your home stand out in the market. Provides a clear family review. They will give you a realistic idea about the value of your home and explain how it compares to similar properties in your area. Sharing Market Analysis: Agents provide comp and local data to effectively price homes and help attract buyers.
2. Be prepared before reaching out to the agent
It will help you prepare yourself so that you can find the match that suits your needs before you start searching for real estate agents. First, get pre-approval for your mortgage or use a mortgage calculator to understand what you can afford, giving your agents a clear starting point for your home search.
Next, if you are looking to buy a new home, create a list of priorities such as location, type of house style, and the features of your home you want to include in your future property before discussing with your agent. If you have plans to sell your current home, make a list of priorities to prepare to keep your home tidy before it hits the market.
3. Decide what you need with the agent
Think about what agents will best support your goals. Consider:
4. Research potential agents
Once you know what you need, start researching your agent to find the right fit. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for a referral, especially if they have recently been bought and sold in your area. Check out our online reviews to see what past clients say about their experiences and how agents communicate and negotiate. You can also check your current listings and sales history to see if you have experience with a similar home in your home.
5. Interview multiple agents
It is best to meet at least two or three agents before deciding who to work with. This allows you to compare their experiences, local knowledge and communication styles to see who is best. During these meetings, prepare a list of questions to ask, including how long you’ve worked in the property, your marketing or approach to helping buyers find a home, and how often you’ll update you throughout the process. This step will help you understand your goals and find an agent who will advocate for you during your home buying and selling journey.
6. Ask the correct question
There are a few questions to ask potential agents during the interview process. Interview your agents properly to learn how to get the best home buying or selling experience possible.
How long have you worked in real estate? Find an agent with a transactional experience. Or, if it’s new, make sure your broker has close support. How long do you live in this area? Local knowledge is just as valuable as a real estate experience when helping you find the right home. Are you working alone or with a team? Solo agents can provide excellent service, but team support can provide backup in holidays or emergency situations. What is your work schedule? You know the availability of tours and shows, especially if you are traveling part-time or immediately. Have you ever filed a complaint against you? This allows you to measure professionalism. One complaint is not necessarily a trade breaker, but it is worth noting. How many transactions do you close per year? A stable track record shows that they are leading their business and your purchases or sales to the city. Do you specialize in as an agent for buyers and sellers? Some agents like listings, while others enjoy helping buyers find the right home. Which market are you targeting? Make sure they know the area of your choice and are willing to thoroughly study them. What is the median market price I am considering? You may need to follow up, but a good agent will provide a clear breakdown to guide you through your search.
7. Check your references and credentials
Before selecting an agent, seek references from past clients to learn about the agent’s communication and negotiation style. Make sure your agent has an active license in your state and check for disciplinary action. You can also search for additional credentials such as certified housing specialists (CRS) and certified buyer representatives (ABR®).
8. Beware of the red flag
When evaluating agents, beware of those who pressure them to sign a contract quickly before answering questions. Be aware that responses are slow or communication is unclear. This can cause stress during the transaction. Also, beware of agents who have limited local knowledge or have little recent deals.
9. Understand the contract before signing
Take your time to read and understand the contract before committing to working with an agent. I know what type of contract to sign. Whether it is exclusive, you can work with that agent alone or non-exclusive, meaning you can work with others. Check out the fee structure, contract length and cancellation policy and there’s no surprise afterwards. Clear your expectations about how often your agent will communicate with you and provide updates throughout the buying and selling process.
10. Trust your instincts
Finally, trust your instincts when selecting an agent. You should be comfortable, confident and respected in your interactions. Listen to your concerns, find someone who understands your goals and communicates clearly. Strong work relationships make the home buying and selling process smoother and less stressful.
Conclusion: Find the right real estate agent
Especially if you’ve recently bought and sold a house, start by asking friends, family, or colleagues to refer you to an agent. Learn about agent communication and reliability by checking online reviews. Select a few top-rated agents to interview and share your budget, concerns and preferred working styles. Your goal is to find knowledgeable and dedicated agents who trust you to advocate for your needs.
