Buying or selling a home is a major undertaking, so having a professional to guide you can make an incredible difference in your success. On the other hand, working with the wrong agent can be a costly mistake. So how do you go about choosing an agent who’s a good fit for you?
One of the best ways to find the right agent is by interviewing a number of candidates and asking each of them these three questions:
1. How many homes have you sold in the last 12 months? Many real estate agents will tell you how many years they’ve been in the business, but recent activity can be more relevant than their time spent in the business. Knowing their recent track record of success can show you how well they understand the current market. While you’re discussing the recent transactions they’ve worked on, also make sure to ask whether they work more frequently with buyers or with sellers.
2. Can I contact your past clients for references? Anyone can boast about their own expertise, but speaking directly with their past clients can give you a more accurate gauge of whether or not their claims are true.
3. What is your strategy for my specific needs? If you’re a buyer, you’ll want to know how the agent plans to find properties for you. And if you’re a seller, you’ll want to determine how the seller will advertise your home.
As an agent answers each of these questions, you should get the sense that they are someone you can trust. The right agent will be experienced, diligent, and have a concrete plan for meeting your specific goals.
If you have any other questions, would like more information, or would like to see whether my team and I could be helpful in meeting your real estate needs, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
