Thinking about selling your home without the help of an agent? Think again. In a 2017 report, homes sold with an agent sold for $60,000 more than for sale by owner (FSBO) homes.
Despite needing to pay a commission of around 5% to 6% of your home’s selling price to a real estate agent, hiring one is well worth it. You’re likely to get much more for your home by hiring a local agent than trying to sell your home without one.
However, not all agents are the same and some are more experienced and knowledgable than others. Here’s how you can choose the best real estate agent in your local area.
Find Out About Their Reputation
One of the first things that you should do when looking for a local real estate agent is to consider their reputation.
It’s a good idea to start looking for a residential real estate agent by asking for referrals from your family and friends. If they recommend somebody to you, there’s a good chance that they’ll be a good option to consider.
On top of this, make sure to search for information on any agent you’re considering online. Look for reviews and testimonials that can give you a better idea of whether you can rely on them or not.
Compare Your Options
Make sure that you don’t just go with the first real estate agent you find. Once you’ve found a few agents through referrals or searching online, you should compare them.
Interview at least three different real estate agents before making your choice. If you choose the first option that you find, you may not end up finding the best agent for your needs.
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Ask Plenty of Questions
Remember to take your interviews with any real estate agents you’re considering seriously. You’ll essentially be hiring someone to work for you, so treat it like you’re interviewing candidates for a job.
Make sure that you ask plenty of questions regarding the agent’s level of experience, history, and team. If you’re selling your house, find out what their recent sales have been. Also, be sure to ask them about your area to ensure that they’re knowledgeable about what’s happening in your local real estate market.
Check Their References
When speaking with an agent, make sure that you ask for some references of past clients that you can reach out to directly. A great real estate agent should be happy to give you some references that you can get in touch with to find out more.
Be sure to call the people on the list to get some opinions about the real estate agent you’re thinking about hiring. Ask them if they did everything they said they would do and whether they were enjoyable to work with or not.
Using These Tips to Find the Best Real Estate Agent
If you’re looking for the best real estate agent in your local area, make sure that you spend some time during your search. Be sure that you consider their reputation, ask plenty of questions, and check their references before hiring them.
In need of more smart homeowner tips? Read over our blog now to find more useful real estate guides.