Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions a person will experience ever. Hiring the wrong agent can lead to mistakes. Mistakes might cost you the home or tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.
That’s why it’s crucial to invest time in finding a highly qualified and trustworthy agent who aligns with your needs and priorities. A proficient agent brings invaluable expertise and market knowledge, guiding you through the complexities of the buying or selling process with confidence and precision. They can help you avoid common pitfalls, negotiate the best terms, and ensure that every detail is managed efficiently. To find the right agent, consider seeking recommendations from friends and family, researching online reviews, and interviewing multiple candidates. By thoroughly vetting potential agents, you can safeguard your investment and secure a successful and rewarding real estate transaction.
Do you need an agent? Here are 4 signs of a great agent in Seattle.
Has Experience in Your Property Type
A used car salesman is not the same as a Tesla salesman. This is a pretty widely accepted notion yet consumers think nothing of looking at the types of home a real estate agent has experience selling. Ask the agent about recent sales or do some research on real estate sites such as Zillow. Get insight into how many transactions an agent has done over the past year and on what types of properties. Some agents simply have more experience. Other agents may be newer but have a mentor guiding them through the process.
A busy agent has a pulse on the market. Having conducted recent transactions, the busy agent knows if the market is hot for sellers rather than buyers. Finding out about an agent’s recent transactions provides insights about their attitude about buying or selling a home in present market conditions.
Provides Options Based on Professional Insight
A great agent doesn’t give one idea. Great agents look at market data to help determine a top and bottom price range based on the house size, quality, and amenities. Great agents have ideas on how to improve selling prices based on simple fixes or expensive overhauls and will give you details to help you decide if the investment is worth it.
Great buyer’s agents listen to the buyer’s wish list and help find properties that meet as many needs and wants while remaining in the budget. They also help educate buyers based on realistic market expectations and encourage buyers to get pre-approved for loans so they can move quickly.
They stay updated on current market trends and use this knowledge to provide buyers with strategic advice, ensuring that offers are competitive yet reasonable. Additionally, great buyer’s agents advocate fiercely on behalf of their clients during negotiations, aiming to secure the best possible terms and conditions. They also assist with the due diligence process, coordinating inspections, and guiding buyers through the complexities of closing. By offering comprehensive support from the initial search to the final signing, an exceptional buyer’s agent makes the home-buying journey smoother and more efficient, ultimately helping buyers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and peace of mind.
Follows Up Promptly
Great agents respond to clients. In this day and age, everyone has cell phones and is accessible. Of course, agents have a right to enjoy time off as well, but within reason during business hours, great agents respond quickly. If an agent doesn’t answer immediately, they call back. If unavailable, they offer a secondary contact such as an assistant or a business partner.
Prompt communication is essential in real estate. Properties come onto the market constantly and offers are being written all the time. Once in the escrow process, great agents constantly help clients understand timelines and the influx of information coming at them.
Great agents prioritize prompt communication throughout the entire real estate process, ensuring that clients stay informed and decisions can be made swiftly. They recognize the importance of keeping clients updated on new listings, market changes, and any developments during the escrow period. By maintaining clear and consistent communication channels, great agents empower their clients to navigate the complexities of buying or selling a home with confidence and clarity. Moreover, by being readily accessible and responsive to inquiries, great agents instill trust and confidence in their clients, fostering strong and lasting relationships built on transparency and reliability. In the fast-paced world of real estate, effective communication can make all the difference in achieving successful outcomes and ensuring client satisfaction.
A Rolodex of Resources
Great agents have resources for clients. Resources might include referrals to mortgage lenders or the ability to get a variety of home inspections done quickly through contractors they trust. Great agents offer resources but don’t require clients use their resources; it’s always the client’s choice.
Resources go well beyond required transaction referrals. A great agent can connect clients with landscapers, handymen or contractors, or any other neighborhood resource a new family in the area might need. Furthermore, a great agent goes above and beyond by offering valuable insights into the local community, including recommendations for schools, restaurants, and recreational activities. By providing a holistic approach to client service, these agents become trusted advisors beyond the realm of real estate, enriching the overall experience of transitioning to a new home and neighborhood.
