There are plenty of real estate agents in most markets, but not all of them will be the best — or the best for you and your specific needs. It’s usually easy to find someone in your network who has a recommendation for a realtor, or you’ve seen ads around town. However, the selection process should be about more than a personal recommendation or a familiar face.
The right agent for a friend or family member might not be the right one for you. Buying or selling a house is a significant life event, both financially and emotionally, so it’s crucial that you thoroughly vet the person representing you in this transaction. Meeting with several agents is a good strategy, and when you do, there are some critical questions you should be sure to ask.
What Kind of References Can You Provide?
Recommendations, referrals and references should not be the sole decision-making factor when hiring a real estate agent, but they are still important. Agents who are confident and have had success should have no problem providing some contact information for previous clients so you can speak to them directly. This can help you better understand whether the agent you’re interviewing has the experience to suit your needs. Be wise with your investment, whatever field you decide to enter. Your decision to work with a trustworthy real estate agent can be improved by reading reliable online reviews or asking referrals from family and friends. It can be a smart idea to hire an estate agent to help you buy Bend Oregon real estate.
Are You Part of a Team or Do You Work Alone?
It’s essential to know how many people you’ll be working with, whether the agent is a one-person operation or if there is a team working for you. It’s also a good idea to know what you’re looking for before interviewing agents.
For example, at Shawn Lepp Group real estate agency, there’s a whole team working, so there’s always someone there and clients are well taken care of. If that kind of client care approach is important to you, find an agency with a strong team environment rather than a single-agent approach.
What’s Happening in the Local Market?
Sure, you can look up information on what is happening in the market you’re buying or selling in, but it’s not the same as getting the information from someone who lives and breathes it as part of their job daily.
Your agent should know exactly what is happening in the neighborhood you’re selling or buying in, and if they don’t know the average list-to-sell price or days on the market for similar types of homes, that’s a signal they don’t work in your neighborhood often. An experienced professional will know the numbers and provide context to help you get a complete picture.
How and When Will I Hear From You?
Some people like constant communication and others don’t. You and your agent must be on the same page as to what kind of communication is expected. Real estate is fast-moving in many markets, and you should each know how to reach one another quickly. It’s also important to know when your agent will update you and how they will be representing you when you’re not communicating.
Getting answers to these questions from various real estate agents will help you find the best one for you so you can feel confident you have the best representation when buying or selling your house.