If you want to buy or sell a house, you need a real estate agent. Finding the right one may be challenging if it's your first time. This article discusses what makes a good real estate agent and what you should ask when talking to one. Read on!
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
In a nutshell, real estate agents help people buy and sell houses. Agents help customers learn about market conditions and guide them through the entire buying or selling process. They also make referrals to other professionals, including inspectors and real estate attorneys.
A big part of their job is helping buyers and sellers negotiate with other parties. In some cases, one agent can represent both the buyer and the seller in a single transaction. Moreover, real estate agents must have licenses in the states where they work. This ensures customers that the agents abide by state and national laws.
Kelly Caldwell is a professional real estate agent, and you can read testimonials about her real estate work. Meanwhile, consider the following qualities when searching for a real estate agent.
Problem-Solving Abilities
Real estate transactions don't always go smoothly. Problems arise and issues come up in surprising places, and your real estate agent should have great problem-solving abilities to help sidestep such challenges.
If you're a seller, your agent should develop creative solutions to attract more buyers. And if you're a buyer, your agent must find the best deal for your budget and needs.
Honesty
You want an agent that doesn't take advantage of your situation. He or she should represent your best interest as a client, proving their trustworthiness.
While these qualities can't be seen or measured right away, one way to know more about your agent's honesty is by checking whether they are a member of organizations like the National Association of Realtors.
Realtors and real estate agents must pledge to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to become a member of the said organization.
Knowledge and Experience
The real estate agent should be knowledgeable - they must answer your questions fast and prove that they're up to date in terms of market and real estate trends.
Ideally, your agent should also have years of experience. Experience often translates to better results, and you'll feel more confident about your decisions when it's backed by an agent who's seen quite a lot in the market.
Personable
Real estate agents deal with different types of customers and other professionals throughout the buying and selling process. As a result, they should be personable and have excellent communication skills.
A real estate agent's lack of communication skills can impede or complicate the process. And if there's a personality conflict between you and the agent, it's best to look for another agent that aligns better with your personality.
Professionalism
Being professional doesn't only entail having the right licenses and certifications. Professionalism is also reflected in the way the agent talks, dresses and interacts with you. They may also have a highly functional website that shows you what you can expect.
You may even stumble upon their online profiles, which should let you know how they conduct themselves outside of the work setting. All of these things reflect how professional the agent is.
Questions to Ask
Once you've found an ideal real estate agent, don't shy away from asking the following questions:
- How much will you be paid? Usually, the seller pays a commission (typically 5%-6% of the sale price). The listing agent then splits the money with the buyer's agent. You must be able to negotiate a lower rate, especially for expensive property.
- How satisfied are your recent clients? Don't be afraid to ask for references and clients who worked with the agent in previous years. Know what happened, what went smoothly, and what issues came up. If you can, talk to these references to get a better feel for the agent's competence.
You should also ask questions specific to your purpose. If you're a buyer, ask the following:
- What challenges will I face in today's market?
- How will you help me face these challenges?
- How will you negotiate with sellers?
If you're a seller, ask the following:
- What is my home worth and why?
- How will you market my home?
- What should I do to improve its pricing?