Things You Should Look For In A Real Estate Agent

Published by julia | Filed under Buyer / Seller Tips, Real Estate, Shout Outs

Agents are like other professionals: you employ them to render service to you. You can either hire or fire them while you pay them according to your agreement in exchange for their service. While you’re at it, it pays to scrutinize agents before hiring as your own. That way, you can save money and time in your real estate transaction.

1.    With knowledge and experience - Good agents are knowledgeable in their field. They need to have a good grasp of the ins and outs of the business. Let’s say for instance you want to get involved in a short sale. Your agent must have a background on short sale too, else you will be put in a very inconvenient situation afterwards. Competence is very crucial for an agent.

2.    Polite, professional and personable – Watch out for the p’s in the person. Good agents should act professional, which includes being punctual during appointments, having a pleasing personality, and being honest and accommodating. You wouldn’t want to stick with an agent who makes you intimidated to ask questions when you don’t understand, would you? Your agent should also listen to you and your needs. He has to keep your best interest at heart. Be careful though, of agents who will play with your emotions by giving you inflated forecast. You must do your own research of the market and verify with what the agent is saying.

3.    Referred by people – Good agents always have satisfied clients. These clients can attest to the good experiences they had with this agent. Moreover, they will have a list of people they have helped and have earned a good reputation in this business. You would be safer if somebody ahead of you has already been there and done that.

4.    Possess a good record – With record I mean number of sales he has closed, difficulty of cases he has handled, and standard of ethics he keeps. In this business, it helps if you see the numbers. If he was able to close several deals in a matter of time, he could close yours in your desired time too. Check the background if he ever dealt with his clients deceitfully before, or left his client in the wilderness after he was able to close the deal and get his commission.

As the “employer”, it’s important for you to seek the best to handle your transaction. Don’t hesitate to interview your agent. Sign a contract of his job description and the commission he has to be paid. Don’t commit for more than 3 months. If ever things don’t work out with you and your agent, at least you can replace him and find a better one.