If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, it’s important to find an agent who can help guide you through the process. According to Zillow research, the most common way home buyers and sellers hire an agent is through a referral from a friend or family member. However, not all agents have the same experience or local reputation, so it’s important to vet potential candidates carefully before hiring one.
One way to start is by searching for vetted agents on Zillow and other real estate sites. From there, choose three to interview and ask them some important vetting questions. This is a great opportunity to gauge whether you have chemistry with the candidate and can trust them to represent your best interests.
Some of the most important questions to ask include: How long have you been an agent? Do you primarily work with buyers or sellers, and how many active clients do you have at a time? It’s also a good idea to find out if an agent has any special expertise in certain types of homes, like condos, single-family homes or new construction. Also read https://www.joehomebuyertriadgroup.com/sell-my-house-fast-lexington-nc/
You’ll want to understand how an agent’s business model works, too. Some agents work solo, while others have a team that helps with tasks like marketing and scheduling. Also, some agents are “dual agents” who represent both buyers and sellers in the same transaction, while others are “transactional agents,” which means they only work with one side of a deal.
Before you meet with an agent, make sure to write down your key objectives for buying or selling a home. This will give you a clear idea of what you need from an agent, and can help you determine if they’re the right fit for your needs. For example, if you’re looking to close on a home within a specific timeline or want to avoid capital gains taxes, make sure your agent is aware of your goals from the outset so they can plan accordingly.
Once you’ve vetted potential agents, take the time to meet with each of them and see how they interact with other potential clients. If you have a bad feeling about one of the contenders, listen to your gut and cross them off your list. You’ll be working closely with this person, so you need to feel comfortable and confident that you can trust them with your real estate journey.
Choosing the right real estate agent can be challenging, but it’s essential for buyers and sellers who want to have an enjoyable, stress-free experience. The right agent will be knowledgeable about the current market, the neighborhoods in which they specialize and the unique challenges that can come with buying or selling a home. With the right agent by your side, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your real estate goals.
