What to look for in your next real estate agent

With so many real estate agents to choose from it can be daunting to choose the one that is right for you.

Here are five things to look out for: 1. Communications skills

Don’t just assume that good communication skills are exclusive to extroverts. Introverts can have impeccable communication skills, and extroverts can lack the ability to develop trust and rapport simply because they talk too much.

A great agent will ask you plenty of questions, while answering your own without dominating the conversation. If they spend an hour talking about themselves and you get the feeling they haven’t said anything of much substance during that time, run for the hills.

Note: You should be on the receiving end of this good communication for the duration. You should not have to contact the agent, they should regularly update you on potential leads, performance of your listing, and possible amendments to your marketing plan.

2. Talking about your marketing plan

Your potential agent should be able to provide you with a comprehensive marketing plan that is tailored to your property and included relevant statistics, specific strategies for your property type, and how your marketing plan makes the most out of your budget.

3. A great resumé

Remember that this person is working on probably the largest type of financial transaction of your life. There is no time for someone who cannot confidently point to their successes.

Ask what recent properties the agent has successfully sold and how many were sold prior to auction as well as how long the properties were on the market and what marketing strategies were used.

4. Malleable marketing

A good agent will show how their marketing plan for your property makes the most of your budget and that their fees are negotiable, because they are.

5. Real-time performance

A month before you are ready to engage an agent, pick some agents you may want to work with and see how they perform on the job. Attend their auctions to see how they interact with potential buyers, including yourself, as well as how they handle themselves during an auction.