It’s a common misconception that all real estate agents are the same. People assume that since we all carry the same basic licensing credentials, that we all practice real estate the same way. Of course, that’s as silly as suggesting that everyone with a driver’s license practices the same driving habits. So, how might you go about choosing a real estate agent to help you with the all-important business decision of buying or selling a home?
Here are some tips on how to find the agent who’s right for you.
1. Spend at least one day attending open houses – not necessarily to see the houses, but to meet the agents hosting the open houses. This will give you a feel for the variety of agents out there, and how they present themselves. Get a business card from agents you wish to research further online.
2. Ask friends or colleagues for the names of agents they would recommend, and research them further online.
3. Select several real estate companies located where you’re looking to buy or sell, and review the company, as well as the agents on their websites.
Typically, agents share information about themselves and/or their expertise in the “About Me” section of their website. If they haven’t written anything about themselves, or it’s riddled with misspellings and grammatical errors – move on. You want an agent who makes use of all available resources, and cares enough to pay attention to detail. Legally binding contracts and the processes of buying or selling a home are all about the details.
If an agent passes the “About Me” test, take a look at the agent’s listings next. They should also appear on the agent's website. Pay particular attention to the photos and worded description of the properties. As a consumer, you know what marketing grabs you. Photos rank #1 in importance for marketing a property. How does the agent measure up?
As you narrow down the list of agents who peak your interest, be sure to look at their company’s website. This may tell you a lot about the resources the company offers its agents, as well as its customers.
Finally, select at least three agents to interview. Before contacting them to set up appointments to meet, make a list of everything that’s important to you in an agent. This will help keep you focused as you make your final decision. Also, write up a list of questions in advance, so you’re sure to have all of your questions answered.
It may seem like a lot of preparation, but keep in mind the financial significance of what you’re looking to buy or sell.
Here are some tips on how to find the agent who’s right for you.
1. Spend at least one day attending open houses – not necessarily to see the houses, but to meet the agents hosting the open houses. This will give you a feel for the variety of agents out there, and how they present themselves. Get a business card from agents you wish to research further online.
2. Ask friends or colleagues for the names of agents they would recommend, and research them further online.
3. Select several real estate companies located where you’re looking to buy or sell, and review the company, as well as the agents on their websites.
Typically, agents share information about themselves and/or their expertise in the “About Me” section of their website. If they haven’t written anything about themselves, or it’s riddled with misspellings and grammatical errors – move on. You want an agent who makes use of all available resources, and cares enough to pay attention to detail. Legally binding contracts and the processes of buying or selling a home are all about the details.
If an agent passes the “About Me” test, take a look at the agent’s listings next. They should also appear on the agent's website. Pay particular attention to the photos and worded description of the properties. As a consumer, you know what marketing grabs you. Photos rank #1 in importance for marketing a property. How does the agent measure up?
As you narrow down the list of agents who peak your interest, be sure to look at their company’s website. This may tell you a lot about the resources the company offers its agents, as well as its customers.
Finally, select at least three agents to interview. Before contacting them to set up appointments to meet, make a list of everything that’s important to you in an agent. This will help keep you focused as you make your final decision. Also, write up a list of questions in advance, so you’re sure to have all of your questions answered.
It may seem like a lot of preparation, but keep in mind the financial significance of what you’re looking to buy or sell.
This is a great article! Informative, well-written, lively (versus boring, common in articles on "business). Your voice is confident but not arrogant--we readers definitely don't want to feel talked "down" to. Awesome job--looks like I'm not the only writer to come out of WHS! :-)
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