5 Steps to Find a Local Real Estate Agent
When entering the local housing marketplace, you likely have many questions. Which is the right home for me? How much can I afford? What are the risks of buying a particular home? These questions and more can be answered by a local real estate agent.
Before choosing your ideal agent, you should learn more on the selection process and the steps you must go through to make that ideal choice. In this latest post, we’re presenting our guide to choosing a qualified real estate agent.
1. Review Recommendations from Family and Friends
One of the foremost considerations during the selection process is to determine whether the professional is considered trustworthy. And the best way to discern their level of trust worthiness is through speaking with family and friends. They can recommend individuals through whom they bought their home and guide you as to the type work the agent provided during the process.
Real estate agents can also help you to save time in the research process by directing you to agents that have been pre-screened for the quality of their work.
2. Consider Agents with Local Experience
The greater the level of local market experience the agent offers the better they’ll be at finding those hidden local deals. The agent should know the up and coming neighbourhoods that are experiencing price increases. They should also know about the location of schools and major transit hubs so that families can find a home in a convenient location for both children and adults.
Finding agents with local experience also means they will be able to easily guide you around the town. They can show you the popular restaurants, shopping areas, and recreational buildings, and help you make the right decision for your entire family.
3. Make Sure the Agent is Available Around the Clock
One of the most common challenges for many is having to track down their real estate agent when they have questions or concerns on the process. The real estate agent you select should be available to you throughout the day.
You should make sure when speaking with a number of agents that they are able to provide you with quick answers to any questions that you might have, even if they’re just able to respond to emails. Not only is this important in helping you capitalize on those limited-time opportunities on the marketplace, but it also means that any concerns can quickly be allayed by a market professional.
4. Select Agents with Specific Buying Experience
In choosing your real estate agent, make sure that the majority of their work experience has been on the buying side of the transaction. A seller’s agent is unlikely to have the experience required to understand the buying process and the nuances required to negotiate the real estate purchase.
The agent should have many years’ experience in the local market as a buyers’ agent, helping local homebuyers pinpoint and complete the purchase of their ideal home.
5. Ask for References
Before making the final decision, ask for the agent to provide you with references for their work. If you haven’t been able to get recommendations from friends and family, references from past clients of the agent can help you to learn more about their work and their understanding of the marketplace. Ask their past clients about their working process. Was the agent available to them throughout the day? Did they have any concerns about the agent? By committing to this process, and considering references from two or three local agents, you can pinpoint the top specialist in your region.
Choosing a real estate agent takes time. Review all the data available and don’t settle for second-best. There are many qualified agents in towns throughout Canada and finding your ideal professional can help you save thousands of dollars on the purchase of that perfect property.