Whether you are buying or selling real estate, you should always hire a professional to assist you with the task. If you only knew about all the horror stories of people that have attempted to do it on their own. Real estate transactions are each different and unique in their own way. So hiring the right real estate agent is key. With that being said, here are the 4 things you should know before hiring a real estate agent.
Patience
Make sure that the Realtor that you hire is not in a rush to close your deal so they can move on to the next transaction. A great realtor will take his/her time learning their client’s needs and wants and will provide options for meeting those needs. This rings especially true if you are a first-time home buyer. While you may be anxious, nervous, and excited, they must be calm and collected.
Experience
Not all real estate deals are the same, so you need to hire a realtor that has knowledge in the type of real estate you are looking for. It’s important that you find a realtor who is experienced in your market and can speak to your area. Good agents can adapt to markets outside their niche, but it’s always a bonus if they know the neighbourhood.
Communication
Communication is key and you need someone that can be transparent and communicate with you when your expectations do not correlate with the market. Keep an eye on their communication skills, are they available when you need them? Do they provide you with updates and check in with you? Know that realtors can be very busy trying to serve multiple clients at once, so while they may not get back to you right away, they will connect with you within a reasonable time frame.
Negotiation
Rounding off the 4 things you should know before hiring a real estate agent is negotiation. A good realtor should have an inherent ability to negotiate well. It takes skill and patience to negotiate in the interest of their client. A good negotiator will ensure your interests are protected and served. A bad negotiator, however, will leave you in an uncomfortable power dynamic with the side you are dealing with. A quick tip you can administer is asking to see the recent transaction history of the realtor you are interviewing. Verifying reviews is also highly recommended.
Not all real estate agents are created equal. Do your due diligence and interview a few to get a feel for their working style. This could be a life-changing moment for you, so you want to have the right person in your corner.
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