How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent

See How Finding the Right Real Estate Agent Can Improve Your Search

When you are ready to buy or sell a home, finding the right real estate agent makes a significant difference in whether it is a stressful or stress-free process. At Brightstar Realty & Rentals, we pride ourselves on being committed to our clients’ real estate goals and needs. Whether you are looking for a buying or listing agent, here are seven tips on how to find the perfect real estate agent for you.

Do your research

Search for local real estate agents online, taking the time to read through online reviews and verify their licensing before scheduling an appointment. An agent’s online presence says a lot about how they treat clients and how committed they are to their business. In addition to licensing, check social media for their business page to gain an understanding of what type of online marketing they invest in.

Ask for referrals

Ask potential real estate agents for a list of referrals or recent clients you can contact. When talking to their previous clients, ask what they liked and what they didn’t like about working with the agent. How long did it take to find or sell their home? How responsive was the agent to phone calls and emails? You want to make sure you hire an agent that is responsive to your needs.

Check their current listings

Look at their current listings or sales history to see what types of homes they have the most success with. Just because a real estate agent has a good track record with homes in the $300,000 range, doesn’t mean they will have the same success with a home in the $100,000 or $500,000 price range.

Ask for their credentials

A real estate agent’s credentials tell you what type of education they have completed. Two common credentials to look for include Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) which is additional training in residential real estate and Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) which is education on helping buyers through transactions.

Interview multiple agents

Merely interviewing one agent and hiring them immediately may not be the best choice. Every real estate agent has different personality traits and depending on who they represent, have access to different resources. Take the time to interview 2-3 agents before making a choice.

Find somebody that is familiar with the area

During your interviews, ask the agent about their familiarity with the location you are looking to move to. It is best to find an agent that is familiar with a community, so they can answer your questions with confidence and help you make the best choice for your family.

Ask what services are included in their fees

Real estate agents receive a percentage of a home sale as their commission, and you may find that some agent’s commission is less than others. Saving money isn’t the reason to hire an agent. Sometimes a smaller commission is due to fewer services included in working with them. Make sure you have a clear answer to this up front, so you don’t get tied up in a contract that leaves you without a new home or sale of your current home.

If you’re looking for a trusted real estate agent to help find or sell your home, contact the exprieced team at Brightstar Realty & Rentals. They’ll help you through the process and work to avoid the many stresses that can possibly go along with it.