How to choose the best agent when buying or selling a home
The process of buying or selling a home is filled with decisions. You can base many of those decisions on objective criteria, like how many bedrooms you want or what price comparable homes have fetched.
Often, though, people decide which agent to hire without giving it much thought at all. That could be a big mistake.
Just because an agent is successful, that doesn’t guarantee that they are the best agent for you. With so much riding on this transaction, you not only want someone who understands your goals and has the ability to help you achieve them; you also should make sure you have a good rapport with that person.
Who do you know?
A good starting place in choosing an agent is asking family and friends if they have recommendations.
But don’t stop at asking them for a name. Find out what they liked about their agent, if they encountered any problems working with that person, how (and how often) their agent communicated with them, and what kind of results the agent helped them achieve.
Sure, it’s helpful when someone says, “My agent was great,” but try to find out exactly what that means.
On the other side of the equation, feel free to ask for references from any agent you are considering hiring. Don’t just get a list – call those people and ask them questions about their experience.
Many agents who are on HAR.com are rated on a 5-star basis by their clients through a program called the Client Experience Rating. There you can read all the strengths and weaknesses of an agent. It is prominently displayed on their websites.
Commissions
Some real estate consumers believe that you should choose your Realtor based on the commission amount they charge.
However, a lower commission doesn’t necessarily mean you are walking away with more money.
A good agent can get you top dollar for your home and sometimes sell your home for tens of thousands more, which more than makes up a lower fee.
One and done?
Research from the National Association of Realtors consistently shows that most people hire the first agent they contact. The first person you contact may very well be the best choice for you.
However, you might want to interview a few agents to see how they differ and figure out who you believe will do the best job for you. What is the agent’s track record or specialty?
When interviewing an agent, you will want to know if that person has the ability to accomplish what you want. For example, you may decide that a condo specialist will have more success finding you the condo of your dreams, or you may want to list your home for sale only with an agent who does a certain amount of business in your neighborhood.
You can find out if the agent has advanced education or designations in certain disciplines, like working with buyers, seniors, or commercial property.
What will you actually do for me?
Make sure you know how an agent will help you market and sell your home, or locate a home to buy. The more specifics you find out, the better. Agents and firms offer various levels and different types of service. Some agents will even offer different services and fees depending on what you require.
How will you keep in touch?
Communication is a big part of any relationship. If you expect to hear from your agent every morning by text or e-mail but you’re only hearing from them every Friday afternoon, things will probably not work out the way you hoped. Make sure you’re both on the same page so everyone benefits.
Make sure your agent is a Realtor
Perhaps this should be the first question you ask any agent: “Are you a Realtor?” You might think there’s no difference between an agent and a Realtor, but you’d be wrong. A real estate agent is someone who is licensed by the state of Texas to sell real estate. That agent only becomes a Realtor by joining an official local Realtor organization, such as the Houston Association of Realtors. Realtors go above and beyond what is required of agents. Realtors also subscribe to a strict code of ethics. This ensures that you receive the highest levels of professionalism and integrity throughout the home buying or selling process.
For more information on buying or selling property anywhere in Texas, please visit HAR.com.