Whether you’re buying or selling a home, you should work with an experienced real estate professional. The right agent can help you figure out the best price for your home, get your home ready to sell and navigate a tricky transaction. And a good agent will have a lot more experience and a bigger set of resources than you would if you went it alone. But how do you find the right agent for your situation? We turned to experts who shared their top tips for choosing the right real estate agent.
Word-of-mouth referrals are the most common way people find their agents, according to Zillow’s research. So start by asking friends, family members and neighbors for recommendations. It’s also a good idea to ask people who have bought and sold homes recently. This can give you an idea of how well an agent performed and if they were a good fit for their clients.
Another option is to search for vetted agents online. For example, you can use Zillow’s Agent Finder tool to see reviews and numbers of homes sold in your area. You can also check out the National Association of Realtors’ Find a Realtor tool to find local NAR members by geography. Be sure to read reviews, and pay special attention to how an agent responds to negative or neutral comments. Read more https://www.texascashhousebuyer.com/sell-my-house-cash-avalon-tx/
Once you’ve narrowed your choices, choose three agents to interview. Treat this like a job interview and ask important vetting questions, such as how long they’ve been in the business, how many homes they’ve sold and what their average listing and selling time is. Also, ask each of your potential agents for references from previous clients and contact those people to ask questions about their experience working with them.
It’s important to work with an agent who understands your needs and wants, so make sure you communicate clearly from the start. This will help you avoid any surprises down the road and ensure your interests are represented. You should also be prepared to answer questions about your financial situation, such as how much you can afford and what your debt-to-income ratio is. And if you’re looking to buy, it’s wise to be preapproved for a mortgage before talking to an agent.
Once you’ve chosen an agent, it’s important to communicate with them regularly. This is especially true in a fast-moving market. And if you change your mind about the type of property you’re interested in, be sure to let your agent know right away so they can start searching for new listings. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate. The most successful home sales involve both parties being willing to compromise.