Beginning your journey toward homeownership can be intimidating. Likewise, if you find yourself looking to sell your home, you might be wondering where to start. These are perfectly normal responses when you’re interested in purchasing a home or listing one. So, you’re in need of a real estate advocate, someone who will be in your corner every step of the way. This professional should be someone you can trust, who can provide you valuable information, communicate in a manner that matches your lifestyle and has a proven track record in this market. Ideally, you’ll want to seek out top rated real estate agents who have built a reputation for excellence. So, what should you look for in a real estate agent?
Agent? What Do You Mean Agent?
Before we jump into the specific “virtues” you’ll want to look for in an agent, let’s define what an agent is. According to Investopedia, a real estate agent is a “licensed professional who arranges property transactions, connects buyers and sellers, and represents them in negotiations.” In fact, part of their definition is our tagline: Connecting buyers and sellers. That’s what we do! We as real estate professionals bring homebuyers and sellers together. We help buyers find the property they’re looking for—this representation is known as being a buyer’s agent. We also help homeowners list and sell their properties — this representation is known as being a listing agent. Of course, these are simplified descriptions of these two common types of representation.
It’s important to note that there are other modes and hats agents wear, such as transaction licensee and dual agent in addition to whether a professional is solely an agent or a REALTOR®, but for the sake of brevity, we won’t dive into those here. Yet, it is imperative that this agent is a “licensed professional.” They should be licensed in the state where they represent consumers looking to buy or sell. They are required to complete coursework as well as pass a national and state exam. You can verify if an agent is licensed in our state of Pennsylvania by visiting the PA Department of State’s website.
Are You Looking To Buy? Here Are The Qualities To Seek In An Agent
If you don’t have a clue on where to start as you begin the home search process, here are a few areas to concentrate on, which will help you find a real estate agent you can certainly be happy with. First, it’s important to seek after a professional who has a firm grasp on your market. Specifically, this person should have deep knowledge about the neighborhood(s) you’re interested in, what’s trending now and what property values look like in the areas that appeal to you. It would be wise to ask the agent what their track record is in those neighborhoods or school districts you hope to reside in. Many top rated real estate agents have experience across various neighborhoods and can provide invaluable insights.
Secondly, is the agent willing to communicate with you regularly? The agent might touch base with their clients once a week, even if there’s little to no news to share, yet this would be something to clarify with them so proper expectations can be set. You’ll want to ensure your method of communication (email, text, phone) aligns with theirs.
Next, confirm they have the time to dedicate to you as you search for that dream home. What days and times are they available to show you properties? Are they available on the weekends or in the evenings? Again, setting expectations is critical early on in the process.
Another factor to consider is what others are saying about this professional you are considering. What have past clients said about their experience working with them? If you cannot find any testimonials, make sure to request references of past clients that you can directly speak to and tap into their experience with the agent. Working with top rated real estate agents often means you’ll find a wealth of positive reviews and references to back up their reputation.
Are You Looking To Sell? Here Are The Qualities To Seek In An Agent
Many of the above qualities also apply for owners looking for a top-notch listing agent. This real estate professional should absolutely be someone you can form a great rapport with, who you can trust and who has your best interests at the forefront. They should have solid communication skills, provide feedback on showings and market changes, and match your style of correspondence. They should be experienced with years in the business selling homes. Top rated real estate agents are also skilled negotiators, securing the best price, terms and conditions for their clients.
When seeking out the services of a listing agent, it’s critical that you approach them with one question in mind: How will you market my property? Most everything falls in line under this concern. First, what is their knowledge of your neighborhood? This prospective agent should have a firm grasp of buyer preferences, what’s trending locally and recent sales in your school district. Clarify if they’ve sold homes similar to yours.
How To Choose An Agent
At the end of the day, there are numerous criteria to consider when selecting a real estate professional. Make no mistake about it, top rated real estate agents take effort to discover, but your research can pay dividends. Purchasing the home you always wanted for less than its market value through an agent’s negotiation skills is most certainly worth the effort. Likewise, selling your property for the best price possible despite current conditions, because an agent is familiar with your neighborhood and has done an exceptional job marketing it to prospective buyers, is most certainly worth the hard work of detecting an agent who suits your needs. At Realty Network Group, we pride ourselves in working hard for clients as we look to understand their goals, first and foremost.