5 tips to help find the right real estate agent

During the home buying process, one of the most important people you will work with is your real estate agent. They will help you find properties to view, determine strong offers, and submit applications. This means it’s crucial that you work with the right real estate agent! Here are some tips to help you secure a realtor who meets your needs.

#1 Ask for recommendations

If you are a first-time home buyer, or haven’t purchased a home in a long time, you might not be familiar with the names of reputable real estate agents. We always emphasize the fact that every purchasing experience is unique, but it can also be helpful to turn to people you know who can give you some guidance. Have any friends or family recently had a great experience working with a real estate agent? Or, on the flip side, is there anyone they might tell you to avoid? Use the resources around you to start your search for the perfect agent. Ask people whose opinions you trust. You can also ask a mortgage broker for some help! We work with several real estate agents, and we are happy to provide you with a recommendation.

#2 Research local agents

While recommendations can be great, it’s also important to do your own research. After all, your needs are unique and you should make sure your agent can address them! Luckily, the internet makes it extremely easy to look up real estate agents and their work. It’s also a good idea to search for local agents who are familiar with the area where you are hoping to buy. Realtors who know an area well are able to give you all kinds of information you might have a hard time accessing yourself. This includes details on demographics, housing prices, schools, amenities, cost of living, and the general atmosphere of the location. Having an insider’s perspective on a potential town or neighbourhood will be helpful when you are deciding where to buy.

#3 Ask potential agents about their work

During your search for the right real estate agent, you should meet with potential realtors. It’s important that you work with someone who can meet your needs and help get you into the right home. Feel free to ask agents about their previous work with other clients, and whether they have experience working with buyers in your situation. If you are a first-time buyer, for example, your agent should have experience helping new buyers enter the market. Similarly, you will want your agent to be familiar with the property type you are after, as well as the area, which we already mentioned. You may be able to find a lot of this information online, but we always recommend meeting with agents and discussing their work in greater detail. The right real estate agent will be happy to walk you through their experience, and how they are a great fit for you.

#4 Look for strong communication

Communication and responsiveness are critical for a real estate agent. The housing market can move at any speed, depending on economic conditions and trends. It’s very important that your agent can adapt to a fast-paced market if necessary, while still maintaining quality service. Properties can sell very quickly, so the right agent will be on the lookout for new listings and will send them your way as soon as possible. Your agent should also be good about answering emails or calls in a timely fashion. Don’t expect them to be available to you 24/7! However, it is fair to expect your agent to be responsive and accessible while you are working together.

#5 Consider the long-term relationship

Buying a home can be a lengthy process, and odds are you and your real estate agent will be working together for several months. With this in mind, it’s important that you get along with your realtor, and trust their abilities to help you find the perfect home. After all, this person is responsible for guiding you through the process of making one of the biggest and most important purchases of your life. During your realtor search, trust your gut in terms of how you feel about those you meet. See if you can picture yourself working with this person for a long time, and whether you can put your trust in them. A strong relationship dynamic can make a big difference during your housing hunt!

It might take some time to find the right real estate agent, but that’s okay. What’s most important is working with a professional who meets your needs, and gives you a positive feeling. Again, if you’re not sure where to start, you can reach out to a mortgage broker for some guidance. We are here to support you every step of the way during the home buying process.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.