Insider Tips on How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent

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Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, it will be much easier with the assistance of a trustworthy real estate agent. They can provide valuable insight into the home buying or selling process. They also have important connections that can help you accomplish your goals faster and save money. 

However, there are probably dozens, if not hundreds of real estate agents in your area. How are you supposed to choose the right one? 

We’re here to help you answer that question. Keep reading for the top insider tips on how to find a good real estate agent. 

Ask Other Homeowners for Advice

First, talk to the people around you to get advice about the local real estate professionals. Talk to other homeowners to find out about their experience buying and selling homes in the area.

What real estate agent did they use? Do they recommend them to other buyers and sellers?

If you can’t get any sage advice from your direct contacts, turn to social media to pose your question to a wider audience. You can ask for recommendations on Facebook by posting to your friends and followers. You can also join a buyer/sell/trade group where you can ask thousands of people in your community who the best real estate agent is. 

Look at Client Reviews Online

Once you have a few people in mind, learning how to find a good real estate agent will require a little more research. Use Google to find the agent’s website and social media pages. Here, you should be able to find a list of client reviews from other home buyers and sellers. 

Are most people happy with the services provided by the real estate agent? Does the agent come well-recommended by the people they worked with in the past? Do you see any complaints or negative patterns?

If the real estate agent hasn’t published client reviews on their website, return to Google and search specifically for reviews using the agent’s name. This should lead you to reviews on Google, Yelp, The Yellow Pages, the BBB, and more.

Ask About Local Real Estate Experience

Before hiring a real estate agent, find out about their experience buying and selling homes in the area. It’s important to find a real estate agent with local expertise. They will have in-depth knowledge about the local school districts, neighborhoods, crime rates, price points, and more. 

Just as importantly, an experienced real estate agent will have spent the last few years building valuable connections with other professionals in the area. This includes other real estate agents, contractors, mortgage lenders, insurance agents, home appraisers, home inspectors, and more. 

Working with the affiliates of your real estate agent could grant you access to exclusive discounts, expedited services, and other forms of special treatment. 

Find Out About Their Availability and Accessibility

Learning how to find a good real estate agent means asking tough questions. For example, don’t be afraid to ask how many other clients the real estate agent has. If they have a large client load already, it could be a bad sign. 

First, having a lot of clients on their plate may limit the real estate agent’s ability to make you a priority. As a result, you could miss the opportunity to sell your house. If your real estate agent isn’t on the ball, the buyer could lose interest and find something else. 

If you’re looking to buy, having an agent who can’t make you a priority might result in losing out on the perfect home. If you want to tour a home while the housing market is hot, slow action could mean missing the chance to place an offer.

When hiring a real estate agent, make sure they have plenty of time for you. If they work a separate job or have too many other clients, it might be a good idea to find a different agent. Additionally, make sure they will give you their cell phone number and email so they are easily accessible.  

Identify Their Commission Rate

Next, learn how to choose a real estate agent that offers competitive rates. Typically, real estate agents charge a 3% commission rate. Essentially, if you sell or buy a house for $200,000, you’ll be paying your agent $6,000. 

However, understand that the seller often pays for both realtors, though it’s not set in stone. 

Now, you might be asking, “Do you need a real estate agent?” Though we understand you want to save money, a real estate agent is well worth the cost. 

As a seller, you’ll likely sell your house for much more money (and in a shorter timeframe). As a seller, real estate agents can help you gain access to more listings. They will also help you negotiate with the seller. 

Ask What Services They Offer

When considering the costs of hiring a real estate agent, don’t simply look for the lowest rates. Higher commission rates often come with better, all-encompassing services. 

For example, if you’re selling your house, a more expensive real estate agent may offer more in terms of house showings, open house hosting, marketing, networking, and more. 

Consider Your Rapport

Finally, learning how to find a good real estate agent can be a “gut” thing. As such, consider your rapport with the agent to find someone you will be comfortable spending time with, whether you’re house hunting or trying to sell your home. 

The better you get along with your real estate agent, the better your experience will be. The need to be patient, professional, friendly, compassionate, and understanding. 

Don’t settle for a real estate agent who seems to be looking for a quick paycheck. They should be genuinely invested in finding the best house for your needs. If you’re selling, they should be willing to go the extra mile to find the right buyer (for the right price). 

Do You Know How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent?

Now that you know how to find a good real estate agent, it’s time to make the call. Once you hire the best real estate agent for your needs, you can start house hunting or prepping your home for the market. The right agent will make your life easier and the real estate transaction more enjoyable. 

And if you’re looking for more home selling advice or house buying tips, you’re in the right place. Browse through some of our other articles to find more valuable real estate insight. Our blog is full of helpful content created for readers like you. 

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