Hiring a real estate agent is absolutely in the best interests of home owners and buyers. According to the National Association of RealtorsⓇ, there are over 1.4 million RealtorsⓇ. With so many options to choose from, how does a buyer or seller choose the right real estate agent? We’ve narrowed down the top deciding factors consumers use when hiring an agent by outlining the top attributes an amazing agent possesses. We have also listed questions you can ask to make sure you’re working with the best market expert to achieve your real estate goals.
5 Attributes of An Amazing Agent
Choosing the right agent is crucial to a successful real estate transaction. The following are five key attributes of an amazing agent:
1. A Pricing Specialist
Every agent in your market has completed the same education to obtain their real estate license. However, just like any business in the service industry, not all real estate agents are the same. There’s a difference between knowing how to pull statistics in an area and navigating a real estate transaction for an ideal, smooth result. An ideal result means buying or selling a home for the best price. For buyers, an amazing agent can help navigate best-possible pricing strategies and secure a deal for the home you want within your budget. If you’re selling your home, an amazing agent knows the area and studies the trends. They’re market experts who have years of experience pricing homes optimally for the current market. There are many factors to consider when pricing your home and an amazing agent will walk you through the process.
2. An Effective Time Manager
Buyers and sellers each have unique needs. An amazing agent has the tools and strategies to minimize the amount of time you spend on the buying or selling process. For buyers, an inexperienced agent may waste your time by showing you homes that are not a good fit for you. An amazing agent will prioritize your needs to find you the ideal home within your budget. For sellers, an amazing agent will utilize up-to-date marketing practices to advertise your home and price it effectively. An expert will make sure your property is shown to only serious buyers.
3. A Market Insider
Any licensed agent can pull market stats about a particular neighborhood or city, but they may not know a great deal about the area. Market experts will have invested years getting to know every aspect of the local market, building relationships with other agents, and developing a strong network they can use to your benefit. Amazing agents will have their finger on the pulse of the market so that they can guide you effectively and get the best possible offers for your home. If you’re new to the area, you want an agent who can provide information on the school district, new businesses in the neighborhood, zoning rules or trends in home prices.
4. A Strong Negotiator
Never underestimate the value of a strong negotiator. Amazing agents have committed their time improving their negotiation strategies. For example, a new agent’s negotiation tactic could come off as arrogant and confrontational. Or they’re unprepared and risk losing leverage for their client. A strong negotiator knows how to read a room, ask probing questions, and practice active listening. Real estate negotiations can be challenging, even for amazing agents. That said, amazing agents know how to navigate the discussion to establish the upper hand to set up the best outcome for their clients.
5. An Effective Closer
The logistics of closing a real estate transaction can be complicated to an agent who hasn’t handled a lot of transactions. An amazing agent has a strong knowledge of real estate contracts, property disclosures, timelines, contingencies, move-in packets and HOA fees. There are many behind the scene tasks that go into a closing. You’d be surprised by the number of small mistakes that can derail a deal in its track. An amazing agent knows the closing process from front to back and can get you to the finish line without any potential pitfalls. Many sellers and buyers would agree that having an amazing agent in your corner is a huge asset.
5 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring Them
Can you send me some information about yourself?
An in-person meeting can only reveal so much. Check their website and social media accounts. Take a look at their online client reviews. What are their professional accomplishments?
How long have you been in real estate?
It’s best to go with an agent with at least 10 years of experience under their belt. Take a look at the number of transactions they have closed. You can also ask how many homes have they sold in a particular area.
What will you do to keep me informed?
An amazing agent will align their communication style with yours. Do you want daily or weekly reports from your agent? There should be a clear understanding on the amount and style of communication you expect from your agent.
Can you provide me with further resources I may need?
From market reports and current market pricing trends to information on school districts, an amazing agent can provide you with several resources at their disposal. In addition, they have a network of professionals they can recommend for other real estate or home improvement related services.
Can you share your plan to market my property? (For sellers)
Any licensed agent can put your home in the MLS and wait for it to sell. An amazing agent will have a curated marketing plan that details how and when they plan to list it, which websites the listing will appear, social media exposure, local network, and more.
We Can Help
If you’re thinking about buying or selling your home, we would love an opportunity to answer any of your questions. Contact us today to help you achieve your real estate goals.