Selling or buying property is likely one of the most monumental and impactful financial decisions you'll make in your life, and finding the right agent can make all the difference. However, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming, with so many agents out there.
How do you find a real estate agent who is experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy? This article will give you practical tips and advice on finding a real estate agent who fits your specific needs. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this guide will help you find the right real estate agent for your goals.
Understanding the distinctions in real estate professions
Before you start your search for how to find a real estate agent, it's also important to understand the different roles and professions within the industry. Whether you're buying or selling a home, choosing the right agent or broker can make a big difference in the success of your transaction. This will help you make an informed decision about the type of agent you need.
Real estate agent vs. broker
Both real estate agents and brokers can help you buy or sell a home and are licensed professionals, but brokers have additional education and experience. Besides managing real estate offices, brokers may work independently or lead teams of agents.
Realtor vs. real estate agent
Realtors are all licensed real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors. Licensed Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors and follow a specific code of ethics. Their clients can also benefit from additional resources and training that can help them provide better service.
Buyer's agent vs. listing agent
In a real estate transaction, a buyer's agent represents the buyer, while a listing agent represents the seller. Both types of agents can help you buy or sell a home, but they have different priorities. Buyer's agents are committed to finding you the best home at the best price, while listing agents are committed to selling your home at the highest price.
What to look for in a real estate agent
Finding the right real estate agent can make a significant difference in the success of your home buying or selling experience. By considering the factors below for how to find a real estate agent, you can choose an agent who will provide the expertise and guidance you need to navigate the complex world of real estate.
How experienced are they?
Experience is an essential factor to consider when choosing a real estate agent. Find an agent with experience in the industry and a track record of successful transactions. Experienced agents understand the local market thoroughly and will be able to provide expert advice.
Do they work with a team?
Real estate agents sometimes use assistants or teams to manage their workload. Clients can benefit from this, as there will be multiple professionals available to answer questions and provide support.
What is their commission rate?
A real estate agent will earn a commission from the sale of a property in most cases. Depending on the agent and the market, commissions vary. It is important to understand how much commission an agent expects and whether it is reasonable for the services they provide.
Do past clients recommend them?
Reviews and testimonials from past clients can give you an idea of the agent's performance. An agent's communication skills, professionalism, and effectiveness can be assessed through this process.
A 2021 study by the National Association of Realtors found that 38% of buyers found their agent through a referral, while 10% found their agent online after asking about a property. This highlights the importance of both personal recommendations and online research when choosing a real estate agent.
Finding the right buyer’s agent
It's crucial to work with a buyer's agent who has the expertise and experience to guide you through the home-buying process when you're looking for your dream property. When selecting a buyer's agent, keep these things in mind:
Their goal is to help you find a home within your budget
It is important that you work with a buyer's agent who takes the time to understand your budget and helps you find homes that fit your budget. Additionally, they will be knowledgeable about the local market and can advise you on which neighborhoods and properties offer the best value.
They'll negotiate with sellers to get you a better deal
Working with a buyer's agent is one of the best ways to ensure you get the best possible price for your new home. Find an agent who has experience negotiating with sellers and can provide examples of successful negotiations they have completed.
They'll set realistic expectations about the market
A buyer's agent can help you navigate the challenges of finding a home in today's competitive real estate market. A good agent will be honest about the availability of homes in your desired area and help you set realistic expectations regarding the level of competition you'll face.
Finding the right seller’s agent
You want to team up with a seller's agent who can help you sell your home quickly and for a fair price. When choosing a seller's agent, keep the following factors in mind.
They'll take marketing your home to the next level
Skilled listing agents will develop a comprehensive marketing plan to reach as many potential buyers as possible. To promote your home, they should be able to explain how they will use online listings, social media, and other advertising channels.
They’ll know the most important updates to make to your home
A knowledgeable agent can help you make home improvements to increase your property's value and attract more buyers. Their recommendations for minor repairs, updates, and staging can make a big difference in the appeal of your home.
They’ll provide a realistic listing price for your home
Setting a competitive listing price for your home is essential to attracting the right buyers and selling it quickly. You can get a comparative market analysis (CMA) from your agent by considering recent sales of comparable homes in your area. Based on the current market conditions, you can set a realistic listing price.
They'll know your local competition
Your seller's agent should be intimately familiar with the local real estate market and comparable listings. Your agent should have examples of similar homes they've sold in the past and be able to leverage that experience to help you sell your home faster and for higher offers.
Buy and sell with ease
Finding the right real estate agent can be the difference between a successful home-buying or selling experience and a frustrating one. By doing your research, knowing how to find a real estate agent, and taking the time to find someone with the right experience and expertise, you can ensure that you have a trusted partner by your side throughout the process.
If you're looking to buy or sell in the Napa Valley region, reach out to Yvonne Rich. With over 25 years of experience in the luxury real estate market, Yvonne is known for her professionalism, insightful local knowledge, and innovative use of technology to stay ahead of the competition. Contact Yvonne today to start your journey toward buying or selling Napa Valley real estate.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
