Buying a home is a monumental financial decision, so having an experienced real estate agent by your side is imperative. And, in a market flooded with agents clamoring for attention through online ads, yard signs, and billboards, finding a true professional can be daunting. 

Whether you're a seasoned homebuyer or a first-time seller, the real estate market's complexity and the abundance of paperwork demand expert guidance. That’s why we’ve prepared some guidelines to lead you to the ideal agent to navigate the complex world of property acquisition. 

Why Choose A Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent is a professional who is an intermediary in real estate transactions. They play a pivotal role in facilitating the buying and selling of properties. Their job is to educate clients on prevailing market conditions, offer expert guidance throughout the transaction process, and provide referrals to related professionals like home stagers and real estate attorneys. 

The role of a real estate agent for sellers or buyers depends on the side they represent. 

A Buyer's Agent, specializes in assisting buyers by helping them locate and assess listed properties, formulating competitive purchase offers, and engaging in negotiations with sellers.

A Listing Agent helps sellers in tasks such as determining property pricing, listing, promoting their homes, and negotiating with prospective buyers. 

While an agent can represent both parties in a single transaction, it is best to hire one that will work specifically for you for optimal results. 

How to Find Trusted Real Estate Agents?

According to reports, 88% of homeowners choose to hire a real estate agent when they decide to sell their property. This is because an experienced and knowledgeable agent can make the process smoother and more successful. Blackbook Properties, for example, has a long tradition in assisting in both condo purchases and sales.

To find the right real estate agent for you, consider the following:

Ask friends and family for referrals

Begin your search by contacting friends, family members, and colleagues who have recently bought or sold a property. Personal recommendations are often the most reliable way to find a real estate agent. Ask them about their experiences, whether they were satisfied with their agent's services, and if they would recommend the agent to others.

Look for a Certified Real Estate Agent

Here, it is also important to mention that most people look for a real estate agent who is a Realtor or a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In terms of certifications and designations, a realtor can be:

     •  Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or someone who’s successfully finished advanced training in managing residential real estate.
     •  Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) who specializes in effectively representing buyers in real estate transactions. And finally,
     •  Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), who completed comprehensive training designed to assist individuals aged 50 and above in buying and selling real estate.

Find Someone Committed to Your Interests

It’s natural to assume that any real estate agent you select will exclusively represent your interests. However, in some situations, real estate agents are not legally obligated to advocate solely for the buyer or seller. For instance, a "dual agent" serves both the buyer and the seller within the same transaction, and a "transactional agent" collaborates with both parties but lacks a fiduciary duty to either.

Understanding the specific role of the agent working with you is of utmost importance. When considering potential agents, be sure to inquire whether they will be dedicated to representing your interests exclusively throughout the entire process.

Research Potential Candidates

Once you’ve gathered recommendations from friends or family members, your next step should be to conduct thorough online research. Examine the agent’s current property listings and review their activity on social media platforms and their website. Be sure to also check online reviews from previous clients to get a clearer image of their reputation and professionalism.

Of course, you should expect to find a few negative reviews, but an excessive number of such reviews or an agent's failure to respond to criticism should raise red flags. On the other hand, this is how you’ll know to eliminate them from your list and continue your search for a more suitable candidate.

Pick at Least Three Agents to Interview

Now that you’ve vetted several agents, we recommend meeting with at least three who you believe fit your situation well. This approach will allow you to evaluate their communication skills, gauge their expertise in your desired area, and assess their understanding of your budget and requirements. 

Also, meeting with multiple agents allows you to make informed comparisons and determine if one's communication style resonates more with you than the other.

What to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

When interviewing potential real estate agents, your objective is to assess their professionalism and how much effort they will put into their presentation. The idea here is to find someone who is well-versed in your specific area and comprehends your budget and needs.

Key questions to ask a potential candidate include:

What experience and training does the agent have? 

Inquiring about these affairs will tell you how long they have been working with clients and what training or recognition they possess. 

For specific scenarios, like being a first-time buyer or dealing with out-of-state relocation or foreclosure purchases, seek information about their relevant experience and the guidance they provide in these situations.

Try to opt for an agent with a good track record of serving clients like you.

Will the agent work with me full-time or part-time?

Knowing how committed and involved the agent will be is essential, especially if you’re rushing to find your dream house. If you want someone fully dedicated to your case, we suggest you choose one who will work full-time. 

What is their client load?

Try to learn how many clients they are assisting and their typical duration for closing deals with buyers.

What is their area of expertise?

Asking about an agent’s expertise will help you understand the typical price range and neighborhoods in which they help buyers find homes. At this point, it’s also good to discuss how they assist buyers in this competitive market.

How much will the real estate agent be paid?

According to reports, real estate commissions range between 5% and 6% of the sales price. In most cases, the seller covers the real estate commission, an amount which is then divided between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. 

If you're the seller, there may be room for negotiation, particularly when dealing with high-value properties. As a buyer, you can inquire about receiving a portion of the buyer agent's commission as a rebate.

Note that most agents are not flexible regarding their commission, but it's an option worth discussing.

Finally, interviews allow you to establish the agent's preferred communication method and availability. If, for instance, you prefer texting and need to visit properties after work hours, align your expectations with an agent who is comfortable with a similar approach and schedule. And remember, effective communication and compatibility in these aspects are crucial for a successful partnership in your real estate journey.