You may be wondering how to find a real estate agent. According to Zillow research, one in five sellers find an agent through personal referral, for sale sign, or a personal referral. In addition, 5% of sellers find their agent through for sale signs or advertisements. Whatever method you use, there are certain steps you should follow to get the best real estate agent for your needs. Below, we’ve listed a few tips for finding a reliable agent.
Look for a real estate agent with a high sale-tolist ratio
A high sale-to-list ratio indicates a hot real estate market. Houses are selling for more than the listed price more often, and a high ratio indicates that the market is hotter than ever. It can help you estimate what to offer for your home, too. For instance, if the national median home price is $363,200, a real estate agent with a sale-to-list ratio of 102% would likely get you a fair price of $370,000. https://www.altitudehousebuyers.com/sell-your-house-fast-in-rochester-nh/
Ask people you know for referrals
One of the easiest ways to get referrals for a real estate agent is by asking those you know. Perhaps they are thinking of buying or selling a home, and you could use this as an opportunity to ask for their advice. The best way to approach referrals is to be personable and to understand what they’re looking for. While the market for real estate may be competitive, this way of requesting referrals will put you on their list of realtors when the time comes.
Avoid hiring a friend or relative as a real estate agent
While hiring a friend or family member as a real estate agent may sound like a good idea in theory, it is not always the best choice. While your friend or relative may be an excellent agent, you’ll be risking thousands of dollars by hiring someone whose experience and skills don’t match yours. Moreover, when emotions are high during a real estate transaction, you could end up in a situation where you are not able to get a good deal. And family relationships can suffer, too.
Look for an agent who works full-time
Before you decide to hire a real estate agent, look for one who works full-time. Parttime agents often struggle to meet the schedules of other agents, so be sure to check out their hours before hiring them. They must be flexible enough to work outside their regular office hours, and they must be able to accommodate clients’ needs, which may be hard if they are not available all the time.
Look for a real estate agent with experience in your neighborhood
When selecting a real estate agent, look for one with experience in your community. Ask friends and family members for recommendations. It’s important to find someone who works with clients who have similar needs. For example, first-time buyers have different needs than repeat homebuyers or downsizers. Agents work for both buyers and sellers and handle negotiations on both sides. While the buyer’s agent represents the buyer, the seller’s agent represents the seller.