Whether you’re buying or selling, knowing how to choose the best real estate company pays off in many ways. Buying or selling a home can sometimes be stressful, and an excellent Realtor will minimize the headaches. If you want to get the most for your home, or move into your new home for less, an experienced Agent will know more about maximizing value.
So…how do you do it? How do you identify the best real estate company when it’s time to buy or sell a home?
1. Talk to Family & Friends
Those close to you who have recently gone through the same process are a great source for honest opinions about their experiences and the Realtors they’ve worked with.
2. Use Only Full-Time Agents
A large percentage of Realtors only work part-time, which means they only work for YOU part-time. Full-time Agents have more at stake, larger networks and access to more resources. Not to mention, they’re more likely to have support staff: administrative assistants, Buyer Agents, home stagers, photographers, etc.
3. Make Sure They Specialize in Your Location
Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s important to use a Realtor who really knows your neighbourhood. Not only that, but their presence in the community and relationships with other Realtors makes a difference.
4. Choose Experience
Agents with more experience will know more about listing, marketing and selling your home. For Buyers, they will have larger networks for finding new listings before they hit the market, getting the right financing, or finding a good home inspector.
5. Ask Questions
“What testimonials have your past clients given you? How many homes have you sold in the past year? What’s the average amount of time your listings are on the market? What percentage of your listings actually sell?”
6. Have a Comfort Level
Interview at least three agents and make sure you have a high-comfort level with the agent you choose.
Every bit of effort you put into finding the best real estate agent will pay off with more success in finding the right home and/or getting the highest value for your old one.