Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent for You
When
it comes to buying or selling a / home, choosing the right real estate agent
for you is essential. The "right" real estate agent isn't always the
most experienced or the one with the flashiest gimmick. In today's real estate
market, it is essential to have someone who knows the area well, has some
experience under their belt and can make you feel comfortable. That's a tall
order and deserves more than one phone call to a random office and taking the
first person who answers.
Word of mouth is always a good indication of how good or bad a business is. That includes a / real estate agent. Talk to your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to see who they have used in the past. This will give you a personal insight into how a particular real estate agent works and whether they would make a good fit for you.
Once you have compiled a list of prospective agents, interview at least three of them. After all, you don't just call one car repair shop and ask for an estimate, do you? Most insurance companies want at least three estimates from three different shops. This is a good rule of thumb for finding a / real estate agent as well. Taking the time to thoroughly investigate an agent before deciding which one to sign with is well worth the time and effort.
Technology is key in today's real estate market. Having an agent who utilizes all mediums (traditional open houses, social media, blogging, etc) is a good indicator that they are in step with the current / market. You want to make sure they are easy to contact, whether that be via Skype, email or phone. Find out where they post listings, if they use a smartphone so they can easily send you photos of homes that might be of interest to you, how they advertise listings, etc.
Of course, knowledge of the area you are buying or selling in is also significant when choosing the right real estate agent for you. Having an agent who knows what homes are selling for in different parts of the city, what trends are happening in the community and understands the workings of the local real estate market can help make your real estate transaction happen more smoothly and within a decent time frame. When you are ready to buy or sell a / home, just let me know. I'd be more than happy to talk to you.
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Originally posted on my Northern Virginia Homes real estate blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/05/31/choosing-the-right-real-estate-agent-for-you/.
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