You’ve got to pick a real estate agent, but you don’t want to throw a dart at the wall and researching your options sounds like too big a project. No worries. We can break down that process to six simple steps to make it easier and more manageable.
1. Ask for referrals
Friends, neighbors and coworkers all have experience buying or selling property and can offer a bit of perspective. Use online search tools to find real estate agents in your area, too. Your references’ tips might be new information or reinforce things you already know. Either way, it’s a simple first step to get the ball rolling.
2. Interview agents
You’ve asked around and looked online and want to reach out to a few agents. Buying or selling a home is most likely the largest financial transaction of your life, so interview at least three potential agents. Make sure your communication expectations can be met, you will feel comfortable with them and you can trust their guidance through the process.
3. Ask questions
More specifically: Ask the right questions. How much time can the agent devote to you? What is his or her strategy? How many deals were completed in the past year? How many years has this person been a real estate agent?
4. Look at current listings
Most agents have a website with his or her own listings. See if the agent's current listings match the property you are looking to buy or sell in terms of area, price range and quantity. Does he or she have a small amount of listings or a large number? Gauge if he or she has expertise in your area and if you will be valued or treated as just another number.
5. Pick their brains
Any agent can look knowledgable online, but does he or she truly know the terrain? Good agents should be familiar with properties that have sold or are on the market. If your agent is familiar with a property, it means he or she truly knows your area.
6. Pull the trigger
You’ve found your winner. One final consideration might be to see if others think your agent is a winner. Is your agent a local “Realtor of the Year” or earned other honors from peers or the public? That endorsement might be the final determining factor in sorting through your candidates and knowing you’ve found the best agent for your needs.
6 simple steps to picking a real estate agent
Look for agents who primarily handle property in your price range or neighborhood of choice. Don’t be reluctant to interview a few agents before making a choice.