Acquiring or selling a home is quite a significant investment, and that is why you should work closely with a real estate agent who will offer subtle guidance on how to complete the entire process as smoothly as possible. There are many real estate agents in the market, so the main focus is on finding the right person for the job.
Below are tips on how to find the right real estate agent for you.
1. Look for Referrals
You should check in with your family and friends who have worked with a real estate agent in the past. They are well suited to issuing a referral depending on whether they had a good experience. Ensure the real estate agent puts your needs first and has all the necessary certifications.
2. Look for Potential Candidates
Make sure to take a close look at the online presence of any real estate agents you’re considering. You should check their websites as well as all social media profiles. Peruse through the listings on each of these platforms, and be sure to pay extra attention to online reviews. If there are more negative reviews as compared to positive reviews, you should continue with your search for an agent.
The real estate regulator in your state can also help to determine whether a real estate agent is licensed or not. Also, you will get to know whether any disciplinary actions have been put in place for the specific realtor. Ensure you are vetting real estate agents using the BBB (Better Business Bureau) so that you can learn if they have received any complaints in the past.
3. Interview at Least Four Candidates
As you get to interview different agents, you will learn more about their experiences. Your primary focus is on finding a real estate agent whose main priority is on your budget needs, timeline goals and particular locality.
4. Request References
If a real estate agent usually gives satisfactory services, they’ll be happy to provide you with a list of references. The references should include clients whom they have served recently. You should contact each client on the references list and inquire about whether they were satisfied with the quality of services offered by the agent. Always ask whether the client would hire the agent in question again. If the answer is yes, it means the real estate agent outdid him/herself when overseeing the transaction.
5. Always Trust Your Gut
It’s important to work with an agent that you can trust. Even if you determine that everything mentioned above checks out, you should not work with a real estate agent if you’re not comfortable around them. There are many agents out there, and you can continue with your search to ensure that you are working with the right person for the job.
6. Scrutinize the Contract Thoroughly
The contract contains the terms of the deal, which includes the commission the agent will take if the deal progresses successfully. In most cases, the seller usually issues a six percent commission to the real estate agent. Half of the amount will be remitted to your agent, and the other half is issued to the agent dealing with the other party. The commission rates can be negotiated further.
The length of the contract also matters. Ensure the contract does not go beyond six months, but keep in mind that it can be renewed after it expires. Always consider such factors since the market is competitive.
The Perfect Fit
While there are plenty of great real estate agents out there with glowing reviews and solid track records, not all of them will be a good fit for you as an individual. By following these steps, you can find an agent who’s not only up for the job, but is also a joy for you to work with.
Contact Our Lockhart Real Estate Team
If you’re interested in houses for sale in Lockhart and need a great agent who knows the area well, contacting one of our team members at Lone Star Realty is a good place to start your search. Our agents are all very experienced with real estate in the area, and one of them may be a perfect fit for you!
