Buying or selling your home is a big deal. It’s a big decision and the biggest transaction you’ll make in your life so it’s important you work with the right realtor to give you the personalized experience you deserve. Choosing a top agent with experience and one who is trustworthy will go a long way to ensure you sell at top dollar or buy at the best price in the market.
Interview multiple agents. Did you know? There are over 200 real estate agents in Lethbridge! It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you begin your agent search. You can start online; Google offers a plethora of information. Or, you can start by asking your family and friends who they have worked with. Either way, you will want to do your own research and interview multiple agents until you find the one you mesh with. Keep the following tips in mind during your interview stage.
1. Choose the person, not the experience
Yes, experience is important but remember that buying or selling a home is a very personal matter. Thus, it is important that you work well with and connect with your agent. You need to be comfortable with that person. Relationship, as with all areas in life, is key. Choose an agent who works for, and with, you. Your agent should be relatable and someone who understands your needs and wants. Your agent needs to be someone you get along with, one who you are not afraid to have real and difficult conversations with. Experience is gained over time and when someone gives someone else a chance; making a real connection is not something that can be taught.
2. Find an agent you can trust
Pay close attention to the agent; how do they listen to you and what kind of questions are they asking you? Are they asking questions that show they have your best interest at heart? Also, ensure the questions are relevant to the home purchase/selling process, not entirely focused on the bottom line.
3. Find a compassionate agent who understands you
Your agent should be patient with you and your circumstances. They should understand your lifestyle and work with you to find a home that suits your needs. Above all, they should respect your views. The right agent will ensure your interests become their interests.
4. Clear lines of communication
Communication is the key ingredient in any successful partnership. Buying or selling your home is no exception. You should feel comfortable talking and communicating with your agent. Layout your expectations at the first meeting.
On that note, your agent must answer their calls, texts, and emails. Timeliness is very important in real estate. You will want to see regular communication from your agent and that he/she is giving you the information you need when you need it.
5. Ask for referrals and/or read their reviews
The biggest compliment an agent can receive is a referral from a past client. Reviews and testimonials play an important role here, especially with how accessible information is online today. You should be able to easily find reviews for most agents online.
6. Make sure they offer adequate support
An agent supported by a team can offer higher levels of customer service. Teams have a greater reach, more networking opportunities, and are better equipped to match buyers with sellers. Agents with a team can also offer more marketing tools for their sellers, creating more awareness of a property while increasing interest.
7. Make sure your agent can work around your schedule
Not all agents work the same hours. Some work full-time while others are just part-time. Full-time agents can give you more attention, they will be more likely to work around your schedule and your busy life. An agent who can work around your schedule will give you the time and flexibility needed to help you achieve your home buying or selling goal.
8. Go to open houses
Don’t want to take someone’s word on an agent? Go to open houses, this is the best place to see prospective agents in action.
If you have gone through these tips for prospective agents and don’t have a clear winner – we recommend you go with your gut.
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