Searching for a new home can be an overwhelming activity. As a prospective home buyer, you may know what house you want and the ideal location but not how to get it. That’s why 87% of home buyers seek the services of a real estate agent. These agents have vast networks, market knowledge, and access to multiple listing services.
About 90% of home sellers work with a real estate agent to find a buyer. Therefore, using their services can save you time and help you get your dream house quicker. But the quality of service you get will also depend on the type of realtor you choose. So it’s highly essential to start your home search by finding the right agent. Here are six factors to consider when looking for the ideal realtor for your family.
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1. Understand What You Want
Before searching for a realtor, understand what kind of house you want, your budget, and your ideal neighborhood. Your budget may depend on what your banker is willing to lend. So, get a mortgage pre-approval from your lender. If you start by hiring an agent, you may be disappointed when your banker fails to approve the amount of mortgage you want.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 52% of home buyers used realtors mainly to help them find the right home. That said, you have to understand and communicate what you want. It could be choosing between a single-family and a condo or a specific price range. Being specific will help you find an agent tailored to your needs.
2. Ask Family, Friends, and Neighbors
According to the National Association of Realtors, 90% of home buyers say they can use their agents again. So if you have a relative, friend, or neighbor who bought a house recently, you can ask them for referrals. The benefit of using your network is that they have first-hand experience. Also, they’re close to you and wouldn’t want to give you misleading information.
However, after getting referrals from friends and family, it’s still crucial to do independent vetting. Your budget and circumstances may be different. That’s why a realtor who is perfect for your friend may not always be fit for you.
3. Do a Ground Search
If you’re buying a house in a new city, it’s best to use realtors from that location. They’re likely to have better knowledge of the area. You can opt to ask your previous agent for connections in the new city.
Else, you can also search for an agent on your own. The best way to do it is to drive around the neighborhood, which you consider an ideal location. Then check for properties marked “for sale.” Most likely, the sign will include contact details for the agent. Even if you don’t get to buy that house, you can use the listed agent to help you find another home in the area.
4. Search Online
The internet has plenty of information about realtors. If you have a list of potential agents from family referrals and ground search, check them online for more information. Visit the realtor’s website to see the kind of listings they have on offer.
Don’t forget to go through reviews to see what other buyers say about them. Check reviews from a third party’s site rather than the realtor’s website. If most reviews are positive, that’s a good sign. If not, keep on searching.
5. Meet With the Realtor
Before hiring an agent, it’s crucial to have a physical meeting. You can agree to visit their office to have an interview or discussion. This visit can help you learn more than what their website says. For instance, you can tell whether the agent is pushy, honest, or educative. A good agent should try to educate and not push you into buying a particular property.
You can also check how open the agent is and whether they’re willing to disclose their credentials. If they give you vague information, that’s a red flag. On the other hand, if they show you their certifications or you see them on the wall, then that’s a good sign. But it’s essential to ask questions if you have concerns.
You can ask questions about their work history. If you’ve heard many people complain about the agent, gently, you can ask for clarification. By the end of the interview, you should have enough information to help you decide whether to hire them or not.
6. Check Qualifications
A good realtor should be a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The association has a code of ethics that guides its members. And in case of misconduct, you can report your realtor to the association. To qualify as a member of NAR, one must have a real estate license and a clean record for at least seven years.
Also, you may consider certifications from NAR, such as Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) or Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR). In addition, the realtor should have a better knowledge of the local area. For instance, they should know the prices, supply and demand trends, and where to find the best houses.
The Bottom Line
Using the services of a realtor can help you get your dream house sooner and at a fair price. So when you want to buy a home, select a competent agent to help you through the process. Next, after you get a new house, you’ll need a reliable moving company to help you relocate.
