A real estate agent is a professional who works on behalf of buyers or sellers in the purchase or sale of a home. The agent has an intimate knowledge of the neighborhood, housing prices, and comparable homes on the market. They can help a buyer to find a home within their budget and meet their buying goals while helping a seller to sell their house at the best price. A good real estate agent can save the client money and time because they have the tools, resources, and expertise to streamline the process.
When interviewing a potential agent, ask for information about properties they have sold or listed in the past year. Ask for contact information for some of the clients and call them to get their feedback on their experience with the agent. This is a great way to see if an agent is a fit for your needs and whether they can provide the service you expect from them.
Also, ask how many clients they typically work with at a given time. You want an agent who can give you their full attention and won’t be too busy to answer your questions. This will prevent them from being rushed or distracted during your search or transaction.
If you’re planning to buy a new home, you should ask the agent about their experience working with first-time buyers. Their responses will give you an idea of how well they understand your needs and how quickly they can help you navigate the process.
Likewise, if you’re selling your home, you should ask the agent about their previous experiences with sellers of similar homes to yours. You can also tell how experienced they are by asking them what percentage of their business is devoted to buyers versus sellers.
An experienced real estate agent will be able to spot problems with a home, like leaks, furnace issues, unsafe neighborhoods, and insect infestations. This can save you thousands of dollars down the road. If you’re purchasing a property, your agent will help you negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract and protect you from overpaying.
While many people think that agents set the prices for the property, this is not true. In fact, the sellers set the price of their home. The real estate agent helps the seller by determining what price is reasonable for the property and device a strategy for negotiating with the buyer.
You should know that some states allow an agent to act as a representative for both the seller and the buyer, which is known as dual agency. This practice can have some pitfalls, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. However, if the agent you’re considering is a dual agent, be sure to carefully read the contract before signing. This will help you to avoid any legal complications in the future. If you’re unsure of an agent’s background, consider contacting your state’s real estate regulator to verify their license and to check for any disciplinary action.
