Not All Agents Are Made The Same
Studies show that 88% of Homebuyers used a Real Estate Agent last year – but how do you pick the one that is right for you?? Well… if I am being honest, this doesn’t have a simple answer. Thats is because it depends on your personal preference at the end of the day. In order to help you find your match I have put together some tips/ questions that you should have in mind when interviewing perspective agents:
1. ASK FRIENDS AND FAMILY
If you do not have a trusted Realtor a good start is to ask your family and friends who they have used in the past. This gives you a first-hand experience of the good, and potential bad, of working with that agent. Pro tip: consider asking someone that is in the same stage of home buying as you are. For example if you are a first-time homebuyer you maaay want to make sure that the agent your cousin used to purchase her third rental property will be able to provide the level of service you need. Some agents work mainly with seasoned buyers, and do not take the time to break down every step. Knowing their process and main client base will help to avoid any assumptions.
2. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING INTO
Whether on the buy side or the sell side you will be asked to sign a representation contract. The typical contract is exclusive meaning you will only work with that agent for the time specified in the contract. The agent you are interviewing should be able to explain the contract to you and answer any questions that you may have.
3. KNOW THEIR GAME PLAN
If you are selling you need to know the agents marketing plan- It is important to know how the agent will get your property in front of your target buyer. If you are a buyer you need to know their experience in the type of home, the area, and the price point you are looking to buy into. For example, have they helped navigate a new build?
4. FIND SOMEONE THAT MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY
You will be working closely with this person for the foreseeable future and communicating sometimes multiple times a day, so it is imperative to like them and make sure they align. This one probably is my best segway into the actual questions that I would ask. These range from experience, to availability (some agents are not full time) These are the questions I would ask anyone you are considering working with to make sure they fit your needs:
- What is their experience with buying/selling? The markets has changed a lot over the last 4 years
- What areas do they service?
- Are you a full-time, or part time agent?
- What hours are they available for showings?
- What hours are they available to answer questions?
- Their preferred methods of communication?
- What are their connections to the wider network of professionals? (Agents/Title companies/ Lenders)
- Will you be working directly with them or mostly with a teammate/assistant?
- Do they work with first time homebuyers?
- Have they worked with buyers building a home?
Like I said, making sure an agent “fits” is not a straightforward answer. It takes careful consideration on what you are looking for in a Realtor, but I hope that this post has put you on the road to finding your perfect agent. If not, email me directly, I would love to update this to be as helpful as it can be!
And. Of course….If you are looking for your own trusted agent in Texas, I would love to meet for coffee (or your choice of beverage) to discuss how I can be that for you! Let’s get started!
