Buying property is the single biggest purchase most people make so it is important to find the right real estate agent for you.
You have done your sums and you are ready to find that dream property. Whether this is a first time purchase or if you are looking to move further up the ladder, this is a big investment and so follow our guide to ensure that you work with the right real estate agent to make this happen.
1. Ask around.
There is no better way than working out who is a good agent by asking around to seek referrals. If you have a friend or colleague who has recently been searching for a property and has had a positive experience, then it will pay if you ask them to introduce you in order to quickly build a rapport. Real estate agents work on commission so it is in their best interest to work with as many searchers as possible, so any hungry agent will be pleased for the extra business passed their way.
2. Check their profile.
How an agent markets themselves and their properties is a good indicator of how professional they are. If their website it out of date, it is unlikely that they will be super efficient. Even the busiest of agents will keep on top of this in order to keep the business rolling in. By having a quick search online you will be surprised to see how much you can find out about the agent before meeting or speaking to them.
3. Test the waters.
Pick up the phone or email the agent to see how quickly they respond and in what manner. This will give you a great insight into how the agent works and how eager they are to help with your search. Whilst they may deal with a number of different searchers all looking for property at the same time, it is their job to make you feel like you are their only client. Even if the market is very busy, the agent should be chasing you and not the other way round!
4. Trust your instincts.
If something does not sit right with the agent or you don’t feel that you would work well together, move on. There is no point in wasting precious time on your search unless it yields you with the results that you want and there are plenty of agents who want to help to secure that deal.