How to choose a good real estate agent?

Yes, buying or selling a residence is an exciting and often an overwhelming experience. But finding a good real estate agent is a crucial to smooth process, as there are plenty of real estate agents who promote themselves with online ads, yard signs, and related advertising hypes.

Similarly, a right agent knows the ins and outs of the market; he/she is a good listener and has connections everywhere. However, searching for the right agent takes balancing credentials and chemistry. So, you need to choose somebody trustworthily. Here, I would like to suggest a few steps which could help you choose the right broker?

What type of real estate broker do I need?

Always before you start looking for a broker, think about the type you need. Mainly because some represent the seller and some represent the buyer.

Buyers agent

A buyer agent is one who represents the buyer in a real estate transaction. Does this include scheduling showings, listing in the buyer's price range, making negotiations with the seller to get the best deal for the buyer.

Selling agent

This could be a little confusing. Here, when the seller accepts the buyer's contract, the agent who represents the buyer becomes known as the selling agent.

How to choose a broker?

• The first step is to find out as much as possible about the agent before hiring his/her services. Don't forget to ask for his references.
• Equally, ask your family and friends to recommend real estate agents they have worked with.
• Next, check whether the agent is licensed and can work full-time on your real estate needs.
• Besides, time is often of the essence when buying or selling a property, and you need to know the best way to communicate with your agent.
• If you are selling a property, make sure your ideas about how to market your asset align with your expectations.
• Ask about recent sales of homes/farmlands/plots similar to yours in the neighborhood to ensure your property is priced appropriately.
• Know about your agent's plans to attract potential buyers.
• Make sure that all the agreements between you and your broker/agent are in writing.
• Never pay money upfront to your real estate agent. This could be a loss to you if you don't sell or buy a property with this agent.

Finally, search for someone, who's on top of the market, as buying or selling a property is a life-changing financial decision. So, it's wise to choose someone who clearly understands what you want and put your needs first.