When you are new to the trade of real estate, you would be undecided whether or not to hire a real estate agent. You might have heard some people saying that they chose not to do so because of the fees that come with it. Or, they have had bad experiences working with such individuals.
Now, you should keep in mind that the world of real estate is complicated, and you have to be knowledgeable enough to get the best deals. This is where a professional should come in to guide you in finding the best properties or selling a property at a price that is favorable to you. It just boils down to hiring the right property agent.
Why You Should Hire a Property Agent
Here are some good reasons why you should work with a real estate agent whether you are engaging the market to buy, sell, or invest.
In-Depth Property Market Knowledge
Choosing a property that will perfectly fit your requirements and budget is difficult, especially with the plethora of listings and options out there. If you are looking for homes for sale, for example, you will have to sift through all the options available on multiple listings, which can be time-consuming. With the help of an agent, you can shortlist your options based on your needs and proceed with the decision-making process in a smoother and stress-free manner.
With extensive knowledge of the real estate market, an experienced agent can also ensure you are generating the best ROI when you are investing.
Superior Negotiation Skills
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you would want to get the best deal possible from a real estate transaction. However, direct negotiations can be quite difficult, especially when you do not have the necessary skills and knowledge, which is why you need to have an agent to negotiate on your behalf.
With a high level of patience, good communication skills, ability to see the other’s point of view, good impulse control, knowledge of ethical obligations, analytical skills, and years of experience under their belt, property agents can build a strong case for you to get the most value out of a transaction.
Broad Network of Trade Professionals
If you are selling properties, there is a high possibility that you should prep them up first before putting them up for sale. Now, you can tap on your agent’s network to find reliable contractors to help you with this task, such as staging companies, home repair professionals, landscapers, painters, plumbers, property inspectors, appraisers, mortgage providers, and lawyers.
Cost and Time Efficiency
As previously mentioned, dealing with buyers or sellers, or investing in property, could take a long process. However, real estate agencies can make things easier and quicker by doing the leg work for you. For example, if you are selling a home, they would prepare and conduct the open house and home-showing, which means you do not have to make the arrangements yourself.
Also, closing deals would require a lot of paperwork, including showing requests, offers/counteroffers, government-mandated disclosures, settlement statements, and contract documents. And, these tasks eat up resources that also command a price.
By hiring an agent, you will have more time and money for other important things in your life.
Knowledge About Future Investment Opportunities
If you are an investor, it can be a hefty job to scout out investment properties. And, if you cannot be the first to find the best properties, you are missing out on the chance to generate the highest of returns.
Accomplished agents, like Tim Stout and Associates, are always informed about properties that are potentially up for sale soon. With their informed advice, you will know how to wait until the best opportunity comes in.
How to Find the Best Property Agent
While hiring real estate agents is a smart decision, it is still important to remember that not all of them are the same. Some are competent, while others cannot deliver what they promise. With that said, here are the steps to finding the right property agent who will help achieve your goals.
1. Search on Google.
The best agent to hire is one who knows the market like the back of their hand. This means you have to work with an agent who also operates in your location. The easiest way to do this is to search “real estate agents of realtors near me” on Google. Sure enough, the results you will be presented with are the top options that you can choose from.
2. Read reviews.
Just like any other product or service, an agent should have reviews or testimonials from their existing or previous clients. These pieces of feedback will let you know whether or not they are the right option to have.
3. Ask for credentials.
An agent is responsible to represent you in an ethical manner and in accordance with the law. They should also be someone whom you can trust to provide you with accurate advice during important situations. That is why you should assess your property agent’s credentials. Not only that this will ensure you will be working with a reputable professional, but also protects you from fraud.
4. Ask the right questions.
During your initial interview, it is important to find out some important information about the agent and their services. So, ask the right questions, like the following:
- How long have you been an agent?
- How are you familiar with our area?
- How many clients are you currently representing?
- What tools or technologies do you use for your services?
- What commission do you charge?
- Do you offer commission rebates if we are selling properties?
- How do we set realistic expectations?
- How do we contact each other?
5. Review the contract before signing on the dotted line.
It is important to have a contract with your agent in place, also known as a buyer representation agreement, so you will have a basis to negotiate terms to your best advantage. However, make sure to review it so all your expectations will be included in it.
Conclusion
Whether you are in the market to buy, sell, or invest, the right property agent can help you with achieving the goal you have in mind. And, they do it in a more efficient and quicker manner.
Devoted agents will do their best to build a good relationship with you, which means they will make all the efforts to make you happy and satisfied with their service. After all, they mainly bank on their reputation and referrals to grow their business.
Now, you should already be confident enough to have an agent by your side to help you with any real estate transactions in the future!
