Key things to look for in a real estate agent

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, one of the first professionals you will be in contact with is your real estate agent. They help you kick off the buying process by finding you properties to view, and they assist you when you’re ready to put in your offer. Now, what are some key traits your agent should have? Here are some important characteristics to look for when selecting the right agent.

A local touch

The real estate agent who is right for you will be local to the area you’re searching in. They don’t have to live in the exact neighbourhood you like, but they should be familiar with the region. Realtors who frequently work in a specific area develop a strong knowledge of that particular place. They can tell you all about nearby amenities, transit, housing prices, neighbourhoods, and other key factors that might influence your decision. While agents who aren’t local can do research on the area, the best agents for you are likely the ones who know the region inside and out. If you know you want to settle in a certain city or neighbourhood, you can do some research on agents nearby. You can also ask local friends if they have any suggestions!

A good reputation

Of course, you should use a real estate agent with a good name! The question is, how can you find out what kind of reputation a realtor has? Their websites certainly won’t tell you anything negative, so it’s important to do some independent research. Talk to friends and family who have recently bought homes. Look at online reviews for agents. If you need suggestions, you can even ask a broker! We work with several wonderful agents and would be happy to point you in the right direction.

A realtor with a strong reputation is important because they will be one of your closest advisors during the buying process. They will find properties for you, help you negotiate offers, and assist you as you close on a deal. They are so heavily involved in the process that you need to make sure they are worth the commitment. You want an agent who will advocate for you in the market!

Strong communication skills

The housing market can move fast, and quick turnaround times mean you and your agent need to be prepared to act when the moment comes. You don’t want to be ready to put in, or accept, an offer, and find your agent is unresponsive. With this in mind, it’s important to ensure your agent has strong communication skills and responsiveness. They should be quick to reply to emails or calls, and be ready to show you properties and help negotiate offers. This isn’t to say they need to be online 24/7, but it is reasonable to expect your agent to get back to you fairly quickly. During any initial contact with potential agents, pay attention to how they communicate and whether their pace will work for you.

A familiarity with your situation

Finally, the right agent for you will have dealt with clients like you before. Whether you are a new buyer, a move-up or downsizing buyer, or purchasing a condo, townhome, or detached house, it is ideal if your agent has seen it all before. Every buyer is a bit different, so no two situations will be identical. However, there are always similarities between first-time home buyers, for example. Having worked with these clients before, real estate agents know the best path forward for you. Practice makes perfect, and this applies in the real estate industry too! Feel free to ask potential agents about their experience when you are deciding who you want to represent you in the market.

The right real estate agent will be the person who can secure you the home you want, at a price you can afford. There are many qualities a successful agent needs to have, and these are just a few of the top traits. As we mentioned above, you can always ask a broker such as ourselves if you need any suggestions! You should also make a broker part of your buying process once you’re ready to start thinking about your mortgage. We are here to help you find the perfect mortgage product to go along with your new home.

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.