Tips for Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

Whether you are planning to buy or sell, it’s so important to choose the right real estate agent. When you’re planning a move, you need to consider factors like location, budget, your family's needs, and a whole host of other practicalities. A good real estate agent will help you manage it all, as they bring their experience and specialized knowledge with them, and work with you to find the best outcome.

Whether you're wading through the challenges of buying or selling a house, you need to know you’ve chosen the best real estate agent to guide you through the process. The right agent can make or break a deal, so it’s vital to make the right choice.

Must-Have Qualities of a Real Estate Agent

The most important factor in a relationship with your real estate agent is trust. You must feel confident that they are honest and open with you. There is nothing worse than being left with the feeling that you are not getting the truth. Other major requirements are:

• An excellent communicator: You need to know that you can contact them and that they keep you informed at every stage of your purchase/sale. They also need to be able to communicate well with other agents, and vendors or buyers.
• Reliable: A good agent will turn up or call you when they say they are going to.
• Experience: Your agent’s experience will be apparent in how well they know the area, and whether they have current market trends at their fingertips.
• Enthusiasm: You should look for someone who is positive and able to problem solve when difficulties arise.
• Proactive: Your agent should have suggestions and options for you from the get-go. If selling, they should know who is on their books who might want to purchase; if buying, they should be able to tell you immediately what you should go and view.
• Expertise: If selling, your realtor will be able to stage and present your property in a way that will attract buyers. If buying, they should be able to tell you of any potential faults or areas that need to be checked out.
• A good negotiator: Closing is the goal, and a good real estate agent will be able to hustle and bargain to get the best deal for you.

Another quality to look for is rapport — you may feel comfortable with someone who is very professional, or with someone who can chat like a friend. Some people feel happy with an agent who has lived in the area, and who is familiar with all its idiosyncrasies. Before deciding on your agent, think about what other qualities are important to you, and look for someone who agrees with you on your priorities.

Continuity Is Key

Check that the person you choose to deal with is the person who will remain in your corner. You want to avoid starting the selling or buying process and then discovering that a “team” is managing your file, rather than the person you thought you would be working with.

Full-time real estate agents are more likely to be available whenever you need them. They are also likely to be more fully immersed in the market trends in your area. In handling significant transactions like these, it's crucial to have someone more knowledgeable, trained, and available to guide you in your decisions. And with time being a factor, a full-time agent will be able to deliver the results more systematically and efficiently.

Furthermore, part-time agents work with a smaller group of clients, and they are likely to negotiate less and may not give the best results compared to someone who does this full time.

Real Estate Agent Qualifications

Your agent needs to be registered to legally transact properties for buyers and sellers.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) licenses sales agents and protects consumers. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has over 1.5 million members, and The Texas Realtors is a state-level affiliate of this body. Agents registered with these organizations ascribe to a code of ethics and good conduct.

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

This is the highest credential given to real estate agents, brokers, and managers. Most real estate agents with this designation specialize in residential property sales.

Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)

If you are a homeowner who wants to purchase a property, you should check your agent's ABR designation. Real estate agents with this certificate have already closed transactions.

Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB)

Real estate agents with CRB designations usually have advanced education and a professional understanding of the property market. These agents are experienced in handling property operations and integrating new trends.

Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)

If you want to sell your property, you'll need an agent with an SRS accreditation. Agents with this certification have the skills to enhance a property's selling price while ensuring that a sale is closed as quickly as possible.

Find Someone Who Knows the Area Well

When you think about choosing a real estate agent that's right for you, everything boils down to how well they know the area. If you're selling a property in Austin, they should be able to discuss local landmarks like the Austin lakes. They should also know market valuations specific to the area and local property trends.

Real estate agents should be able to tell you all about local facilities and a wide variety of nearby places of interest if you're new to the neighborhood.

See What Others Are Saying Online

Checking online reviews is a quick and easy way to assess your agent's suitability. Some real estate agents have social media pages where clients can give feedback about their experiences in closing a deal.

You can check your agent's reviews in Google, Yelp, and Zillow to see if what they promise is in sync with their results.

Communicate With Multiple Agents

Finding the best match at the first encounter can be difficult. You may need to talk to at least three agents before finding someone you want to work with.

Ask the Right Questions

Your first home buying experience can be either an easy or difficult time, depending on the information you receive from your real estate agent. Here are questions to ask your potential Realtor to assess if you’re a good fit to work together.

• How long have you been working as a full-time real estate agent?
• As of last year, how many transactions have you completed?
• Is a long-term contract a requirement?
• Do you include professional photography and home staging as part of the agreement?
• What are your thoughts about the valuation of the properties in my area?

Referrals From Family Members and Friends

Personal referrals are often more trustworthy than those you see online. Asking family members and friends for these referrals could give you valuable insight. You have the opportunity to use people who have already established a good reputation with people you know.

However, be aware that sometimes agents offer benefits for referrals, so you may not always get a complete picture. Make sure you fully trust the person before taking any of their advice.

Conclusion

With the right agent, you will find property transactions manageable, straightforward, and surprisingly fulfilling. If you feel you are now in the know about how to choose the best agent, our local Austin real estate experts are waiting for your call.