Choosing the right real estate agent for you is a very important decision. This person is representing you in what could be the largest financial transaction of your life. Picking the right agent can mean a smooth journey to closing with minimal stress and more money going back in your pocket. A bad agent can mean more stress for you, potentially less money for you, and worst-case scenario even losing the deal.
This article discusses what to look for in an agent and how to begin the search. Click on the following link to download a list of questions to use when interviewing a real estate agent. https://realestateofhawaii.com/agentqestionaire
Ok, here are five things to look for when choosing a real estate agent:
#1 – Excellent Communication Skills:
A successful real estate transaction is dependent on effective communication amongst all parties, including agent to client, and agent to agent. The agent should be able to answer your questions to your satisfaction. Part of the art of communication is negotiation. There will be various points in the transaction that your agent’s negotiation skills will come into play. Some say that the entire process is one big negotiation.
# 2 – Experience in the business:
Its good to find out how long an agent has been buying and selling houses and if they have a focus or specialties. For example, if you’re an investor you may want to ask if the agent has experience with 1031 exchanges. If you are military relocating, find out how many client’s the agent has helped and if they are familiar with VA loans. Knowing the kind of volume of transactions and areas the agent has transacted in are good things to find out.
#3 – Market Knowledge and Expertise:
Having an agent with good local market knowledge and who is in touch with current trends is important. Technical expertise is also an important trait. As a seller you want to know how your agent will maximize the money going back into your pocket and sell your property as fast as you need it to be sold. As a buyer, you’ll want to know how they plan to find you the right place and save you money and not overpay. What are the technical strategies they use to achieve these goals.
#4 – Good Reviews and Testimonials:
Doing a little research to see what kind of online reviews and testimonials agents have is a great way to see what past clients have to say about their experience. I like to read reviews but take them with a grain of salt. There are ways to filter out bad reviews and what agent in their right mind would ask a client for a testimonial if they provided poor service. Overall, though, you can’t ignore reviews and testimonials so do your homework. You’ll be able to spot the sincere genuine reviews and testimonials.
Number 5: General Likeability:
It’s key that you get along with your real estate agent. You may be spending a lot of time with each other (sometimes hours at a time). It’ll make the journey that much more enjoyable if you have a good rapport with them. You want to look forward to meeting your agent and feel good once your meetings are over.
How to Find Your Agent:
I always think a good place to start is to ask friends, family, coworkers, the ones whom you value their opinion and you have similar values, priorities and thought processes as. If they have someone that worked out well, then hopefully you will have a similar experience. These kinds of referrals seem to usually work out well. If someone you think highly of sends you over someone that they have come to know, like and trust, there’s a good statistical chance you will a similar experience.
If for some reason you don’t want to ask others, there’s always the internet. Needless to say, there is a plethora of resources you will find online to for your agent search. Here you can find reviews, testimonials, specialties, experience, etc.
As I mentioned in the beginning, choosing your real estate agent is a big decision. Get three or four names, and take the time to interview them and find out if they have what you’re looking for. It’s like finding the right attorney or CPA or financial advisor, this decision has a lot of implications down the line.
A few tips when asking questions: Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions. You should feel comfortable to ask your agent anything and your agent should be able to answer your questions. Ask them, what makes them stand out from the rest. In Hawaii there are thousands of real estate agents to choose from. See what makes them unique and what’s their super power. And click on this link to download a list of questions to use when interviewing a real estate agent. https://realestateofhawaii.com/agentqestionaire
