A Match Made in (Real Estate) Heaven
Buying and selling a home are some of the most monumental moments in a person’s life, from chartering the emotional waters of the decision-making process to navigating the financial complexities of mortgages, appraisals and closings. Having the right guide by your side during these tricky times can help make the proceedings go as smoothly as possible.
Play Hard to Get
According to the National Association of Realtors®, 52 percent of first-time home buyers find their real estate agent through a friend’s recommendation, and two-thirds of buyers only contact one agent before moving forward. Rookie mistake! Talk to several prospective agents and ask an array of questions, everything from how long they have been working in real estate to their familiarity with marketing a home to any professional achievements they have received. That way you can make an educated decision and feel confident embarking on the partnership (which, of course, is what this relationship is!).
Choose Wisely
Just like selecting any professional, from a doctor to a handyman, you’ll want to do your homework. Start your search online to see what recent properties the agent has sold and inquire about speaking with past clients. You’ll get to see their knowledge of the communities you’re looking to buy or sell in and receive helpful insight about their working style from people who have also gone through the process. Word-of-mouth recommendations still go a long way in finding a real estate agent with a track record you can trust.
Personality Matters
A real estate agent should obviously have the knowledge required to walk you through the home buying or selling process along with a solid network of preferred lenders and other professionals you’ll need, but finding someone with the right personality fit is crucial, as well. Think about it: You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this individual, from home showings to the negotiation and closing phases of the deal. Finding the individual who truly understands your approach to this major life event will help ensure success.
