Selling or buying a house is never an easy task. From a financial standpoint, it is considered one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Therefore, it’s important that you find a property agent with the experience to guide you through the entire process.
Certainly, there is no shortage of house property agents available in the market. However, with numerous professionals to choose from, it can be a real challenge to find the right one. This guide can help you find a property agent to ensure you hire experts and professionals.
Speak With a Lender First
Before you go all out looking for a property agent, it’s best to talk to a lender first. This is something that most home shoppers tend to forget. Talk to a lender to know how much you can afford. If you’ll get preapproved for a mortgage, you’ll get to borrow the maximum amount. You’ll also get to identify issues that need to be worked on early.
Doing so helps you stay on track in finding homes under the right price range. It also shows sellers and realtors that you’re a serious buyer. In competitive markets, a preapproval letter is necessary for sellers to consider your offer.
Obtain Referrals From Family and Friends
Asking for referrals from family and friends is also a smart move. They can recommend a property agent with whom they have connections and had a good experience. If you’re looking to downsize and are a first-time buyer, your needs differ from those repeat buyers. Therefore, look for a property agent who has a good reputation and a solid background.
Do Research for Potential Agents
Don’t forget to assess the agent’s online presence by checking his/her active social accounts and website. While you’re at it, look at their online reviews. Don’t fret about one or two negative reviews, although that can be a red flag.
To find out whether your potential property agent is licensed or has disciplinary actions, be sure to check with your state’s property regulator. Look into candidates you’re interviewing through your local Business Bureau’s website to check if they got complaints.
Logically, you should commence your search a couple of months from the time you anticipate getting your mortgage pre-approved and start searching for a house or property. Also, while you’re on your way looking for the right agent, it’s a great time to create a list of must-haves for the home you’re seeking.
Interview At Least 2-3 Agents
Doing interviews is a good way for you to know the property agent’s experience and style. Mainly, what you’re looking for is a realtor who knows the way well when it comes to the area and understands your needs and budget. See how professional and well-made their proposal is. You want someone who gets the picture right away, someone who is savvy.
Furthermore, interviews will give you an opportunity to find out the property agent’s availability and preferred means of communication. You’ll want someone happy to do the same preferences as yours.
Ask For References and Assess Them
Request information on homes listed and sold in the past years from the property agents, together with some of their recent clients’ contact details. Contact the clients to know what type of service the agent provided and their experience throughout the process, including the negotiations. Ask if they would recommend the said agent.
Trust Your Instinct
The agent’s ability to assist you smoothly throughout the process is as important as his/her experience and knowledge. Most importantly, go with an agent you feel comfortable with and you trust if you think the road gets a bit bumpy.
Read Your Contract Before Signing
Take a closer look at your contract before signing it. It should set out all the terms you’ve already concurred. This should include the real estate commission. Another factor to consider is the length of the contract. Go for a contract that does not go beyond six months. It takes less than 30 days to sell a property in a competitive seller’s market.
If your contract is longer than 30 days and you still have not sold your property, you may want to consider switching to a different agent. Likewise, if you’re a buyer and you haven’t found the property you want in a certain time frame, it’s best to keep the choices open.
Avoid Dual Agency
Certain states in Australia allow ‘dual agency’, meaning in the same transaction, the agent speaks for both the buyer and seller. In order to get the best deal, it’s ideal to stave off such an arrangement if you want someone to represent on your behalf.
Consider Local Knowledge
Find out how long an agent has worked in the area and test their local knowledge.
It’s crucial to find an agent with a deep knowledge of the local market. It is as important as looking for one with a proven level of experience when it comes to selling the property.
An ideal property agent knows the property, as well as the locality. This means they are committed and invested in the local area. They have a deep understanding with regard to the marketplace, and this will add up as extra energy to sell your property.
Takeaway
These tips will help you get off to a good start. Always do your research well before going all out with your search for the right property agent. It may be a bit overwhelming with the many agents to choose from in the competitive housing market. However, if you know the drill, it’ll be less complex and tedious.
