Buying or selling a home is a big decision with massive financial implications. It is for this reason alone that you want to work with a reputable estate agent who has your best interests at heart.
An estate agent should be reliable and have a substantial presence in the local market. This gives them the knowledge they need to find your dream home or sell your current home at the best possible price.
If you’re on the lookout for an estate agent, here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Accreditation and affiliation
Estate agents have to get a real estate license that entitles them to work in the industry. Buyers and sellers should make sure that the estate agent has all the necessary qualifications.
Rules and regulations governing the sale of real estate may change. A good estate agent should be able to prove that they’ve attended the necessary training to keep abreast of the latest developments.
A quick online check can establish if an estate agent is affiliated to an established property agency. Working through an agency with a proven track record and wider reach will ensure you more extensive exposure to buyers and sellers.
2. Specialization
Many estate agents specialize in selling certain types of properties. Selling condos is a different ballgame from selling homes in the suburbs. If you’re selling or you know the exact kind of home you’re looking to buy, check what experience the estate agent has in the field.
An estate agent who works in a smaller niche is better able to get you what you want, whether it’s the right buyer or the right home to buy. It eliminates time wasted visiting homes that don’t suit your needs because they’re all that this estate agent has on their books.
3. Personality
A successful estate agent is generally an outgoing person. They need to have a passion for what they’re doing. Whether you’re buying or selling, you want a driven agent who will secure you the best deal possible.
A less than enthusiastic agent doesn’t make much of an impression on either buyers or sellers. That’s not to say the estate agent should be loud and overbearing. There will be something in their personality that will tell you they have the confidence and commitment to get the job done.
4. After-sales service
When you meet with an estate agent for the first time, get a feel for how committed they are to the post-sale process. Buying or selling a property is complicated and filled with plenty of technicalities you’re unlikely to be aware of.
A good estate agent won’t only be talking about the sale and their cut of the proceeds. They’ll also be talking to you about what happens after the sale is completed.
There is a lot of legal paperwork for both the buyer and seller to sign. An estate agent should be prepared to assist you every step of the way to make sure the sale doesn’t fall through. Their commission depends on it.
5. Transparency
An estate agent’s track record shouldn’t be shrouded in mystery. A reputable estate agent can show potential clients how many homes for which they’ve brokered sales. A proven track record is convincing.
Another aspect of transparency comes to money. An estate agent must explain how the house is valued and what determines the selling price. They should also be clear on how much commission they’ll earn.
A seller must know precisely how much money they’re going to get. Equally, a buyer must know what the house will cost including legal fees to make sure it’s within their budget.
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