How to Find a Real Estate Agent

1.  Search Online for Agents

The best place to find an agent is on line, and if you’re reading this then you already know that. So what are you looking for in an agent?

• Web Savvy – Having a web savvy agent is very important today as over 90% of all buyers initially see their homes online. Finding a good real estate agent/broker is essential to enjoying a painless real estate transaction. The saying is “20% of the agents do 80% of the business,” and it is true.
  NOTE: There are plenty of websites that will refer agents to you but that is no assurance of quality. The agents they refer are those who have paid the website owners a fee to be listed in their directory. A better bet is to look for Agents who are experienced; you will find this in plain view on their websites. Also look for customer reviews and testimonials.

• If you are a buyer, you want to work with a Buyers Agent, this way you know your interests are protected in the transaction. Likewise if you are a seller, you want to work with a Sellers Agent, someone that is experienced in representing the seller. Not all agents are experts in working with buyers or sellers. Dual Agents, are agents that work for both the buyer and the seller on the same transaction. (Almost always this agent will tend to spin things one way or the other)

• Ask the agent if they are a full time agent and how long they have been working full time. It is not that newer or part time agents aren’t capable; it just is a factor you should use in making an informed decision. Many “experienced” agents are not always the best choice either. Especially if they haven’t kept up with technology.

• Be sure that your agent is knowledgeable. Ask questions about things you have learned through your new-found interest in real estate. If they don’t know more than you (after all, this is their livelihood) go on to seasoned agent.

• Try to find an agent who goes above and beyond their responsibilities. Look for signs that the agent is busy. A hard-working, go-getter of an agent is good. Be careful, sometimes they can be too busy and unorganized. Theoretically a real estate agent can only effectively work with about half-dozen buyers and a dozen sellers at any given time to properly give the time needed to a client.

• Does the agent have an assistant(s)? An agent who can focus on your needs and desires, instead of the paperwork, can be really helpful.

• If you are a first time homebuyer… Find a 1st Time Buyers Agent-Their experience should be able to guide you through the complexities of the process, including lender info that you will have to provide and what the loan process will entail is as well as what the steps are from contract to close, making it seem effortless on your part.

• A good agent can recommend service providers who can assist in obtaining a mortgage, home inspections, pest control and someone to make repairs on a home.

• Keep in mind here that a real estate agent should generally recommend more than one provider and shouldn’t receive any compensation (ethical issues tend to arise when this happens).

• Video has become an important component to marketing high end properties. The agent should be able to show you an example of their video marketing. If the video was not made professionally or doesn’t have a good quality then it could be a warning sign.

2.  Referrals

Most real estate agents stay in business because satisfied clients refer them to friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. You could contact an agent that a friend or relative worked with. If this agent produced positive results for them, there’s a good chance they will do the same for you.

•  Ask the people around you who they have used and ask them to describe their experience.

• Successful agents make customer satisfaction their number one priority and put their customers’ needs before their own.

3. What is a Designation and does it Make a Difference

The designations are the letters that follow under the Realtor’s name like a “degree.” They acknowledge to the community the areas of specialized training that the agent has. These designations don’t just get handed out; the agent only gets awarded a designation from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) upon completion of the required courses. The acronym under the agent’s name signifies specialized training in an area that makes the agent more qualified for the specialized job. Most designations have requirements after the designation is issued that must be met.

•  The number of designations shows the commitment that the agent has to expanding their knowledge, skills and proficiency in order to better serve the client.

• An agent that is committed to education and performing their job to the best of their ability, will provide clients with more choices and opportunities than agents with fewer designations.

4.  REALTORS® and Real Estate Agents

All Realtors® are licensed to sell real estate as an agent or a broker but not all real estate agents are Realtors®. Only Realtors® can display the Realtor® logo. Realtors® belong to the National Association of Realtors and pledge to follow the Code of Ethics, a comprehensive list containing 17 articles and underlying standards of practice, which establish levels of conduct that are higher than ordinary business practices or those required by law. Less than half of all licensees are Realtors®. So the question remains, how can you find a good real estate agent?

• The best agent for you doesn’t necessarily work at the largest brokerage, close the most transactions or make the most money. The best agent for you is an experienced professional who will listen to you, conduct them self in an ethical manner and will know the market.

5.  A few things you should know, once you’ve found your Agent:

• Don’t expect an agent to call you instantly when you leave a message, but do expect a call back within 24 hours or a reasonable amount of time depending upon the situation.

• Don’t call your real estate agent after hours, past 9 pm or so. They have a life too.

• This is your most important transaction of your life; a seasoned real estate agent does this everyday and understands the many problems that arise during the process. Try to keep the big picture in mind.

• Your house/or the house you are buying is a commodity. Supply and demand within a neighborhood play an important role in pricing and timing of a sale. Try not to become overly emotionally involved in the purchase/sale of the property.

 

 

Originally Posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News