Finding Your Perfect Match: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Choosing the right real estate agent is a process that should not be taken lightly. 89% of sellers appoint an agent to aid them in their property selling venture, making this decision a critical one. Learn to choose a real estate agent that fits your needs by recognizing key factors, asking the right questions, and finding the perfect agent.
Taking the Stress out of Home Selling with the Right Realtor
Every successful real estate transaction starts with the right agent. Your journey to find “the one” could begin by scanning various real estate websites like Homes.com, Realtor.com or Zillow.com and comparing reviews and home sales numbers. It’s also beneficial to assess an agent’s online presence once you’ve narrowed down your options. Keep an eye on how they deal with neutral or negative reviews.
It’s hard to beat a personal referral from a trusted friend or family member. Research from the National Association of Realtors shows that finding the right real estate agent is often influenced by personal connections and past experiences. In fact, a significant 65% of sellers discovered their agent through a referral from friends, neighbors, or family members, while others opted to work with agents they had previously collaborated with to buy or sell a home.
When it comes to efficiency, about 81% of recent sellers only contacted one agent before finalizing their choice, demonstrating that a clear match can sometimes be found on the first attempt. Interestingly, 46% of sellers chose to work with the same agent for both buying and selling; this figure increases to an impressive 84% for those who purchased a new home within a 10-mile radius.
The rapport between sellers and their agents often extends beyond the transaction itself. In fact, 75% of sellers reported that they were the ones to compensate their agent, highlighting a sense of mutual agreement on services rendered. After their experience, many sellers felt so satisfied that 87% expressed they would definitely (73%) or probably (14%) recommend their agent for future services. It’s also worth noting that sellers typically recommended their agent at least once since selling their home, with 20% recommending their agent four or more times, showcasing the lasting impact of a positive relationship in the real estate process.
Check out who is doing work in the Neighborhood
If you’ve got the time, a stroll or drive around your neighborhood might help you spot familiar agent names on for-sale signs. Keep a close watch on those with a ‘sold’ sign next to them! 16% of sellers hired a community-recognized agent, with 5% finding them through a for-sale sign.
Attending an open house could also lead you to your ideal agent. Notice how the agent interacts with potential buyers. Engage with the agent and get a feel for their professional chemistry and personality. According to statistics, 7% of sellers find their agents at an open house.
Don’t limit yourself to the first agent you meet. 56% of sellers contact just one agent, but speaking with multiple agents helps you compare and find the best fit. Treat it as a job interview. Even if you have a leading candidate due to a referral or local reputation, ask the same questions to each party and analyze their responses.
Establishing Effective Communication and Expectations
Ensure mutual understanding from the start. Discuss your communication preferences and frequency with the agent. If there’s a mismatch, e.g., you prefer emails, and they are phone-call oriented, it might not work out.
If you require a quicker response rate compared to the agent’s bi-weekly updates, you might need to explore other options.
Furthermore, clarify your specific requirements concerning your property sale. Whether it’s a strict timeline, a specific minimum selling price, or trying to avoid capital gains taxes with certain timing, be upfront about these details.
Selling Strategy Alignment and Agreements
Ensure you and your chosen agent agree on the selling strategy. Talk about open houses, your preferred number of showings, advance notice for showings, and your property’s marketing strategy.
For a successful agent-seller relationship, clear expectations are essential. Ensure you have a formal agreement outlining the commission structure, list price, contract length, and next steps if your home remains unsold after a set period.
Selling a property on your own without an agent (FSBO) may seem like a viable option, and 11% of sellers do it. Get ready for a significant amount of effort; it’s akin to having a full-time job.
To recap, when it comes to selecting the perfect real estate agent to sell your property, consider factors like their familiarity with the home they’re selling, excellent reviews, professional handling of negative feedback, and a local reputation for swiftly and successfully closing deals.
