The real estate agent you choose is one of the most important decisions you’ll make
in your home buying or selling process. It’s a person who will become your advocate,
and you want to choose someone who is knowledgeable about the local market,
knows your needs, and can help you navigate the complex steps involved in a
property sale. In a challenging real estate market like today, having an experienced
agent by your side is essential.
The first step in selecting an agent is finding a good referral. Ask your friends,
family, and neighbors for recommendations, and read online reviews. Once you’ve
narrowed down your options, set up interviews with several agents. Treat these
meetings like you would job interviews, and prepare a list of questions for each
candidate. This way, you can compare and contrast their answers to find the best fit
for your needs.
When interviewing a potential real estate agent, listen for how they describe their
past client experiences. Pay particular attention to the type of clients they’ve worked
with, such as first-time homebuyers, families, or seniors. Listen for how they talk
about the specific needs of those types of clients, and how they work with them to
achieve their goals.
You can also learn a lot about an agent by how they handle negotiations with
potential buyers and sellers. During these conversations, listen to how the agent
negotiates and see whether they use facts and data when advocating for their
clients. For example, if the agent recommends that you lower your asking price,
listen to how they arrived at that number. Was it based on recent comparable sales
in your neighborhood? Or did they take into account factors such as the location of
the property and your personal needs? For more info: https://www.simplesalebuyers.com/sell-your-house-fast-plant-city-fl/
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask about their background and education. Find out how
long they’ve been in the business, and ask them to provide you with examples of
their successful past transactions. It’s also helpful to know if they’re affiliated with a
large national brokerage, or if they operate independently.
After you’ve interviewed several candidates, pick one who you feel confident will
meet your needs. Then, sign a listing agreement with them. This document will
outline all the details of your transaction, including the agent’s compensation.
Typically, the seller pays 5% to 6% of the sales price to the agent. Be sure to read
the agreement carefully and understand all of the terms before signing it.
