It’s not hard to find any real estate agent. There are at least 2 million licensed agents nationwide. Finding the RIGHT agent, however, takes a little more effort but considering that your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make you want to get it right, so don’t rush into it.
So, how do you choose a real estate agent that’s right for you?
Start with your friends and family:
Ask people you know about their recent buying/selling experience. You want to know both what they liked about the person and what they didn’t. A positive reference from someone you trust is a good place to start. But don’t just assume that who was right for them was right for you.
Research the company:
You can learn a lot online about a particular firms approach and specialty if they have one. Are they a small firm or a big firm? You might want the comfort of a known name or prefer the attention you could get from a smaller firm. You may be in the market for a full-service brokerage that offers increased financial stability or you may prefer a smaller more boutique kind of agency.
Check out credentials:
There is a BIG difference between a real estate agent, broker, and realtor. Even though a lot of people mistakenly use the words interchangeably. A real estate agent is anyone with a license. A broker, on the other hand, is required to take an additional number of classes to qualify. At 5 Points all of our agents are brokers and Realtors. Realtor only applies to anyone who is a paid-up member of the National Association of REALTORS.
Consider chemistry:
Think about it, you could be spending a lot of time with this person (maybe months!) so your style needs to match theirs. This goes for how they communicate, talk, operate. Buying a home is big financial decision so you want someone you feel comfortable with and who seems to take their time in serving your wants and needs.
Ask questions:
The whole process of buying and selling is filled with questions from would-be buyers/sellers but the most important questions you will ask are BEFORE you choose an agent. You’ll want to know how long they’ve worked in the industry and in the local market. Get a feel for their knowledge by asking about recent sales, and market trends. A good broker will ask questions too trying to understand your personal situation.
We recommend talking to at least two agents before making a decision and don’t be afraid to ask for references! Remember you are interviewing them to see who gets the job.
Choosing the right agent for you goes beyond calling the first number you see on a lawn sign. The right agent for you will have the perfect mix of chemistry, experience, and market knowledge to help you through the sometimes grinding process of buying or selling a home. Any of our brokers would be happy to answer your questions.