Buying or selling your home is one of your most significant financial decisions. You can rely on a trusted advisor to guide you through the process.
Doing your research is the best way to ensure you’re working with an agent you can trust. Here are five things you should look for in your real estate agent:
Expertise in the Local Market
As a real estate agent, you know that your local market expertise is crucial to converting sales. You have to know your city, including the nuances of its residents and how they want to live.
Almost everything your local government does affects your business in one way or another, from traffic, zoning, and public works to housing regulations. This knowledge allows you to speak on behalf of your clients — the constituents of your community — when you discuss these issues with decision-makers.
Successful local area expert agents don’t try to be everywhere at once. Instead, they pick an area within a reasonable driving distance and focus on maximizing their expertise in that region.
For example, in Maple Grove Realtors can specialize in luxury properties, vineyards, or other coastal lifestyle options that appeal to a seller. Alternatively, a buyer looking to move might benefit from an agent who understands fast-breaking property values, trending neighborhoods, and connections to third-party providers in that region.
Expertise in Negotiating
Negotiating skills are an essential part of any real estate career. Whether you’re dealing with a new listing, closing a deal, or trying to get a better price on your current home, negotiations are a necessary component of the process.
When negotiating, it’s essential to be clear about your goals and objectives. This will allow you to focus on finding a compromise that benefits everyone involved.
The right negotiation skills can make or break a deal. Knowing which negotiation style you’re dealing with can help you frame your strategy and tactics.
A thorough problem analysis helps you determine both parties’ interests and the outcomes they want to achieve. It can also help you identify the most effective tactics for each situation.
Negotiating is a skill that should be regularly practiced and developed, regardless of your experience level. Keeping your negotiating skills sharp will help you solve challenging situations and ensure a positive client experience.
Expertise in Contracts
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, the importance of trusting your realtor cannot be overstated. This includes ensuring they have the latest legal documents and information to help you get the best deal for your new home. It’s also important to consider the agent’s reputation and ask if other realtors have referred them. If an agent can bring in many clients from referrals, they’re trustworthy and have a solid client base. Lastly, look for an agent who is up to date on the local market and has experience negotiating the real estate market.
Expertise in Marketing
When searching for a realtor, it’s essential to trust your realtor’s expertise. This is especially true for home buyers and sellers who want to feel confident that their realtor will be a good guide in negotiating and buying or selling their new property. The best way to know if an agent is an expert is to get references and reviews from current and past clients. It’s also a good idea to ask them about their marketing expertise. This will show how well they communicate with potential clients and how valuable their knowledge is to your real estate transaction.
