Hiring an Amazing Real Estate Agent
How do you ensure you are hiring an amazing real estate agent? It is crucial to work with a qualified real estate agent. Not just a professional, but an amazing real estate agent and a market expert. This is true whether you are buying or selling a home.
There are more than two million real estate professionals in North America.1,2 Most people know a number of friends, family members, or acquaintances that are working in real estate. We see signs and ads for different agents all around. There are so many options to choose from. So how does a prospective home buyer or seller choose the right agent or broker?
According to the National Association of Realtors®, trust and reputation are the top deciding factors consumers use when hiring an agent.3
But how do you measure trust and reputation? And what criteria can be used to help you make your decision?
In this guide, we’ve outlined the top attributes that amazing agents possess. In addition, we also suggest questions you can ask. This will help you to make sure you’re working with the right market expert.
5 ATTRIBUTES OF AN AMAZING REAL ESTATE AGENT
Not all real estate professionals are the same. Just like other professionals, lawyers, accountants, and others, there are differences in each professional’s expertise. Also, there are differences in how effectively they will work with you. Many professionals are highly competent. They may have extensive experience or come highly recommended. However, they may or may not be the best fit for you. Just like when making any other important decision, you should make sure the agent you choose is not only knowledgeable and skilled, but is also right for you and your needs.
The following are five key attributes of amazing agents. These attributes will help you understand what makes top agents and market experts stand apart from the competition:
1. A Pricing Specialist:
For buyers and sellers amazing agents have a strong understanding of market trends. They use this knowledge to help the buyer identify and secure a deal. They use their pricing knowledge to ensure you as a buyer get the home you want, within your desired budget, and at a reasonable price. For sellers, market experts have experience pricing homes optimally for the market. This helps you sell for your best price in a reasonable time period. For example, pricing right can also help a seller avoid costs like additional mortgage and utility payments. Pricing too low or too high can cost a seller much more in the long run.
Takeaway: Whether buying or selling a home, pricing can be tricky. Market experts can help navigate best-possible pricing strategies. Also, a pricing specialist can help you secure the home you want within your budget.
2. An Effective Time Manager:
The average agent, especially on in the business a long time, may not be utilizing the latest tools and technology. Current tools and technology can make the transaction easier and more cost effective for you. Up-to-date market experts have tools and strategies at their disposal. They know how to use technology to gather information and to be more effective. Used right, technology can make your agent and the process more efficient. An up to date and innovative agent uses tools and technology to minimize the amount of time and effort you spend on the process. For sellers, an up-to-date agent can also ensure you only deal with qualified buyers, not “window shoppers” who waste your time. For buyers, a market expert knows how to prioritize your needs and wants to find you the ideal home within your budget, without wasting your time on houses that aren’t a fit..
Takeaway: Even a well-intentioned agent may not have the skills, tools or technology to make the experience easy for you. There are lots of hidden activities that can take up unexpected time. But a market expert effectively using tools and technology will save you time and energy.
3. A Market Insider:
Most agents can pull market stats about a neighborhood, community or city. But you want an agent who actually understands important trends or developments that may affect your transaction. Market experts live and breathe local real estate and know the trigger points for buying and selling in your market. They understand data and underlying trends. And they should be able to explain them to you in a way that you can understand. In addition, the best agents also stay current on effective marketing and negotiation strategies and practices.
Takeaway: An knowledgeable real estate agent is well versed in local market data and current trends and practices, Also, they use that information to get the best results for their clients. .
4. A Strong Negotiator:
Amazing agents truly set themselves apart in their ability to negotiate. Real estate negotiations take skill, experience. Negotiations require knowledge and ability to fight for your client’s best interests. While any agent can enter negotiations to buy or sell a home, experienced Realtors understand what to do before entering negotiations (establishing the upper hand), as well as during the process (such as when to offer or accept concessions) in order to set up the best outcome to represent your interests.
Takeaway: Working with a market expert will help ensure you get the best deal on your terms, not just the fastest deal.
5. An Effective Closer:
Closing a deal fast is often a good thing. However, top real estate professionals know how to not only achieve your real estate goals quickly, but also in the right way to avoid pitfalls. Just like with negotiations, the paperwork and process of closing a real estate transaction are complicated. The most amazing real estate agents have a strong understanding of the contracts, timelines, clauses and contingencies within the closing process.
Takeaway: Real estate transactions often involve a significant investment, so even a small mistake can mean serious trouble. With that in mind, it’s best to work with a true market expert.
5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT
The first step in hiring an amazing real estate agent is to “shop around.” Many people work with the first agent they come across. Often they feel an obligation to work with a friend or relative. That may or may not be a good decision. You should have a firm understanding of your agent’s level of experience or education. . If you have worked with a truly amazing agent in the past, then you may not need to spend as much time on this step.
It’s almost always a good idea to interview a number of agents before selecting one. However, it can be tough to know what to ask in the interview process. Here are some questions that can help you qualify the best agent to help you.. And if you have already narrowed down your choice, at least ask how the agents you know stack up against the following. Remember, you are interested in hiring an amazing real estate agent, not just any agent.
1. Can you send me some information about yourself?
Look for professionalism, consistency and honesty. What are their accomplishments? See how the agent approaches their work. If they’re a newer agent, that’s okay. Either way, you should ask about their specialized training, previous relevant work accomplishments, and their team’s dynamic and accomplishments.
2. How long have you been in real estate?
While longevity can be important, don’t be fooled by just sticking with the status quo. Above all, it is more important your agent is up-to-date and to be honest. In fact, many newer agents have current and more up to date approaches than agents that have been in the business a long time. Also, consider the quality and variety of transactions they have closed or been involved in. So feel free to also ask: “What’s your track record?”
3. What will you do to keep me informed?
Will the agent be able to meet your expectations? Do they explain and educate? Or do they just let you go it alone? Do you feel comfortable asking questions? First, think about how much communication you want. Then, find an agent who will give you the attention and time you deserve.
4. Can you provide me with further resources I may need?
Top agents will usually have helpful resources or contacts to share with you. These include market reports and pricing trends, lenders, inspectors, and reference materials such as school performance and crime statistics. And if not, they will find out or can advise on where to find answers to your questions.
5. Seller only: Can you share with me your plan to market my property?
Many agents will simply put your home in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and wait for it to sell. However, an amazing agent will have a detailed marketing plan. This will include how to maximize your home’s exposure on internet platforms, to their local networks, and more.
GET STARTED
You want to work with the best possible real estate agent for you. And now you are armed with the 5 Key Attributes of Amazing Real Estate Agents and the 5 Questions to Ask Your Agent. You are ready to start interviewing agents.
We’d love an opportunity to win your business. Schedule a free consultation with us to find out how true market experts can help you achieve your real estate goals.
Sources:
- National Association of REALTORS – https://www.nar.realtor/field-guides/field-guide-to-quick-real-estate-statistics
- Financial Post – http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/mortgages-real-estate/canada-housing-bubble-agents/wcm/b49d4e3a-bd8d-4d1c-9566-bd3d80c8e23a
- National Association of REALTORS –https://www.nar.realtor/reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers