There are over 700 active Realtors in our market. How do you pick 1 out of the herd? Whether you are buying or selling a home the agent you pick can either save you money or cost you money. Below are a few tips that will help you save money through selecting the best agent for you.
Search Online
Currently the most successful agents are active on social networks and use the power of the internet to leverage their exposure. Pick an agent that will do more for you than merely put your home on the MLS. Every agent can do this! Pick one that is willing to give you the extra exposure boost online.
Visit Open Houses
REALTORs are at open houses for 1 reason. No it isn’t to sell you house because open houses rarely sell homes. They are at open houses to promote themselves and meet motivated buyers. Use this to your advantage and go a meet a few agents. Work with who you think is the most trustworthy. You are going to put your biggest investment into an agent and that’s why it makes sense to find the most trustworthy.
Interview Agents
Do not hire the first agent you meet. Ask them how they are different than the rest of the pack? Hire an agent that is focused on meeting your needs. It seems to be the normal thing for agents to talk about themselves when they should be focusing on you! Keep in mind that every single agent will list your property on the MLS, and that automatically feeds to REALTOR.com
Get a few CMA’s
Do not go with the agent who gives you the highest price. This is called buying the listing. Going with the highest price may end up costing you the most money. Homes that sit on the market longer sell for less. Compare the numbers from a few agents and go with the agent that is the most realistic. The most realistic agents will base their information on current market data, rather than what you want to hear.
Identify your needs
What is your goal for this real estate transaction? Work with the agent that understands you the most and keeps your best interest first. Is this agent more concerned with you or the paycheck you can generate? Again, take your home seriously and work with the agent that is keeping your best interest above all.
Ask for follow up
Test the waters by asking a Realtor to follow up with you for something. Do they call you back when they say they do? Do they do exactly as you ask? Hire the agent that keeps in touch with you the best. Selling or buying a home is extremely time sensitive, and your REALTOR can make or break you by their willingness to follow up. Find out if they have a plan for follow up.
Select a strong negotiator
Finding a strong negotiator can save you thousands of dollars. A good-hardworking Realtor will work to get you the best deal possible within reason. Find out their method of negotiation and how this will benefit you. How can your REALTOR give you leverage in the process.
Let’s sum it up
Do not select the first agent you meet. There are hundreds of them in the area and 90% of them will do the same exact thing. Go with the agent that is trustworthy, skilled, hardworking, and willing to put your best interest above all.
The current market is tough and your Realtor has to do what they can to expose your home to the most amount of buyers. Find the agent that focuses on marketing your property online. Every single agent can put your home on the MLS, and their ability to do more will greatly improve your home’s listing.
