One of the first steps in buying or selling a home is finding a real estate agent to represent you and your real estate needs. While there are many resources available to help you pick the right agent, however, it's hard to know if they are the best match until you start working with them. Here are some signs that will indicate you've picked the right agent.
They are responsive.
Of course your agent won't be available 24/7 but that doesn't mean they can't respond to you in a timely manner. Your agent should be able to make the time to answer you within an hour, or at least acknowledge your needs and provide a better response at a later time. There is no excuse for an agent not responding in a reasonable amount of time. This punctuality can be the difference between your real estate transaction being finalized in days or months. Even if an agent is busy, they should have a proven system for communicating on an ongoing basis with clients.
They listen to you.
Yes, your agent is the expert, but that doesn't mean they should dictate every decision for you. A good agent will listen to you and be there for you, rather than running the whole show. They should ask questions that allow them to get to the desired result, and they should listen intently to your answers. Your agent should always ask for your input and should never try to push you.
They are experienced.
This is a given. Of course you want an agent that has copious experience in real estate and once you start working with them, it will be easy to tell. Experienced agents will treat real estate as their career, not just a side job. They are up-to-date with current market trends and will have many connections in the field.
They are professional.
While having a relaxed and friendly agent is generally a good thing, that shouldn't overshadow a professional demeanor. A good agent will always keep it professional no matter what. If your agent is canceling appointments, showing up late, or even appearing sloppy and disorganized, you may want to cut ties. An agent like this sends the wrong message to all involved and reflects bad business behavior.
They make you feel comfortable.
You could have a very successful and knowledgeable agent, but if they make you feel uncomfortable at all, that is just not a good sign. If your agent has poor social skills or doesn't mesh well with your personality, this can make for a bad pairing. This is where you need to trust your gut and ask yourself if this is the best agent for you. Buying or selling a home is stressful enough; you shouldn't be worrying about any uneasiness between you and your agent.
In conclusion, if you are struggling to pick the right agent, keep these points in mind. Even if you have an agent, and things aren't running smoothly, take the time to think about each of these points and how your agent compares. With the right agent, your buying or selling experience can be close to flawless and even enjoyable.
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