Finding a real estate agent is crucial because you’ll be working closely with them.
Make sure you find someone who is a good fit for your needs.
Ask your sphere of influence for recommendations. They may have recently sold or
bought a home in the area and can recommend an agent.
- Ask for Referrals
In real estate, referrals are the best way to find new business. Top agents know how
to ask for them in a way that is graceful and doesn’t feel pushy. Referrals are also a
great way to gauge the level of experience an agent has with the type of client you
are looking for.
One way to generate real estate referrals is by hosting a party for your past clients
and asking them to bring their friends. This gives you a chance to showcase your
skills while making a connection with the people in your network.
Another way to generate real estate referrals is by reaching out to your clients on
their anniversary. This is a great time to ask for a referral as it shows them that you
are thoughtful and care about their relationship with you. Plus, it gives them a
reason to reach out to their own network of friends. This will help them spread the
word about your services without feeling like you are spamming them.
- Visit Open Houses
While you’re driving around your neighborhood, look for signs that say “open house”
or ask friends and neighbors who they recommend. Then, go to a few open houses
and talk to the agents. Ask about their experience and what types of buyers they
work with. This will help you narrow your search and find an agent who has the
professional expertise to meet your needs. For more https://www.sellmyhousecompany.com/
When you arrive at the open house, note how the agents greet visitors. Some will
shake your hand, introduce themselves and ask for your name on a sign-in sheet.
They might also follow you through the home, pointing out features and answering
questions.
Other agents may ring the doorbell and greet you as soon as you walk in. They
might then ask about your home buying goals and discuss market trends. If you are
working with a buyer’s agent, make sure they put their name on the sign-in sheet so
the listing agent doesn’t assume you are unrepresented.
- Look at Online Profiles
Real estate agents who have a strong online presence make it easy for potential
clients to find out more about them and their expertise. They might have a blog that
discusses everything from local property prices to mortgage rates, and they may
also offer information about how to sell your home quickly.
A top real estate agent is a good communicator, and they will take the time to
understand your needs and goals. They will explain how they can help you, answer
your questions, and guide you through the process.
You can look at the online profiles of real estate agents on sites like HomeLight or
their Google business page to see what kind of communication style and service
they have. You can also use an agent matching service to find a great match for
your needs. These services vet agents for their experience, sales performance, and
past customer reviews. Some, like Clever Real Estate, even offer built-in savings for
buyers and sellers.
- Ask for a One-on-One Interview
Buying or selling a home is a major decision, and you’ll be working closely with your
agent throughout the process. A one-on-one interview is the best way to determine
whether you and the agent are a good fit for each other.
A good real estate agent should be able to answer questions about the market in
your area and tell you about recent home sales (whether they were buyers’ or
sellers’ transactions). They should also be able to provide examples of how they
would market your property, including listing photos and virtual tours.
Ask your agent if they have any additional qualifications or credentials that make
them stand out from other agents in the area. For example, there are several
programs that real estate agents can take to earn specialized certifications or
designations for working with certain types of buyers or sellers.
Finally, find out how often your agent will contact you with updates and any other
information you need to know. If they aren’t able to keep in regular touch, it might
be time to look elsewhere.