Choosing an experienced real estate agent is important. They know the market, trends, prices, and neighborhood details, helping you make informed decisions. Good relationships with your agent improve communication and trust, leading to better results. Experienced agents can handle challenges during transactions, making the process easier. They have useful connections that enhance your experience. Additionally, skilled negotiators can help secure better sale prices and terms. Ultimately, picking a proven agent offers peace of mind and support throughout your journey. Building a strong relationship with your agent can greatly impact your real estate success.
Here are the top 5 things that you should focus on when you choose a real estate agent:
1. Local Market Knowledge:
It’s important that a real estate agent is familiar with the neighborhoods and local market. You may want to look for an agent that has lived in the area a long time and understands the dynamics of each neighborhood. Local real estate agents gain knowledge through experience and knowing the areas will help to provide you with expertise on certain factors such as flood zones, insurance concerns, traffic patterns, annual events and community lifestyle.
2. Values:
Get to know your real estate agent. Do they share the same values as you? It’s important that you find an agent you feel understands your needs. If you’re new to an area, your real estate agent will be able to help you find the perfect community or neighborhood feel. Are there certain types of social or economic activities that you are looking to engage in? The right agent will be a great guide to help you integrate into a new city.
3. Integrity and Transparency:
Integrity is incredibly important when finding an agent. Relationships with other builders, agents and vendors is part of our job. A great agent will have an incredible team of resources to support you, from title, inspector, lender, etc. Transparency is equally important. Asking your real estate agent about various aspects of the home buying or selling process can provide you with valuable insights and guidance. It is important to encourage open communication to ensure that all of your questions and concerns are addressed promptly and thoroughly.
4. Sales Experience:
Agent’s develop comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics that drive successful transactions through sales experience. Knowing how long an agent has been in the business and number of transactions in the area may help to show that they have experience.
5. Time
Do your schedules align? Are you going to be working with them directly or with a large team of people. You may have a personal preference of working exclusively with someone or okay being handed off at separate areas of the transaction. Also, since this is the most important transaction of someone’s life, it is important to find an agent that is employed full-time.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to get to know your agent and feel comfortable with them. In addition, here are some questions to ask when interviewing an agent to learn about their services:
- What inspired you to start in real estate?
- How long have you been an agent?
- Are you full-time?
- How long have you lived in the area?
- Do you have sales experience in the area?
- What can I expect from the process?
- What is your communication style?
- Will I be working with you exclusively throughout the transaction?
- Do you have a vetted team of vendors?
- What is your specialty?
- What strategies do you use to compete in today’s market?
- How do you keep up with legal changes, real estate news, and market trends?
Lastly, checking on websites to make sure that the agent has positive reviews. Ratemyagent.com is a great snapshot at past reviews, sales and experience that verifies an agents transactions.
If you are looking to buy, sell, or relocate to St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Tampa, Sarasota, or the surrounding areas, I would love to talk more! You can fill out this form for a free consultation.
Talk to you soon,
Ashley Marbet
