What to Consider When Looking for an Agent

In case you missed, it I recently participated in a Facebook live interview where I answered common questions I come across in the industry regarding what qualities you should look for in a potential agent. Today I’ll share some of those questions and my answers to them so that you can find the very best representation for your future transaction.

“Before hiring an agent, what should buyers be asking and what makes it so important to ask those questions?”

If you are thinking about buying a home and you are interviewing an agent, I think the most important thing is to find out if that agent's personality clicks with yours. This is because, as a buyer, you will spend a lot of time in the car and touring homes with your agent. Your agents need to be people you not only feel comfortable with, but also enjoy being around.

Beyond liking them, they should also be looking at their track record. How many homes have they sold and how many buyers have they helped find a home this year? By asking this, you can find out if they have only sold 20 homes in 20 years, or if they have sold 20 homes in a single year. The second person will be somebody that has contacts with vendors, knows how to solve your problems, and knows the market well so they can get you from start to finish.

“If I were a seller looking for an agent, what should I be asking?”

When you are a buyer looking for an agent, you are looking for someone with whom you will hopefully become great friends. However, when you are a seller, you will focus more on track record and specifically, someone who has a good track record in your neighborhood.

You would ask them how many homes have been sold in a specific neighborhood like, for example, Dunes West. Then you can get even more specific by asking how many homes have been sold on the water if you happen to have a waterfront home. This will tell you if they have a system to attract buyers in your price range and that they know how to get the job done.

When it comes to finding an agent to sell your house, you are looking for somebody that can get the job done. You still have to like them and trust them; however, their track record is much more important.

If you have any additional questions about this or are interested in buying or selling, please feel free to contact me by phone or email. I look forward to speaking with you soon.