Finding a real estate agent is not an easy task! There are so many options, it can be hard to know what will be best for you. Here are five steps you can take to find the best real estate agent for you:
1. Research Realtors
The first step to find the correct realtor is to do some research. Take the time to look online. Do a Google search and see who comes up in your area. Visit each realtor’s website to read about them and learn more. Many websites have reviews, so check up on those and look for any major red flags. See if there are any real estate agents or companies that are often recommended by others. By doing research, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for.
2. Ask Around For Recommendations
While reviews online are always helpful, it’s always good to get advice in person as well. Talk to your neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends. If you know anyone who has recently bought or sold a home, ask them about their realtor and their experience. If you are new to an area or moving to a new location, this step may not be possible. However, you can always talk to people in the industry to see if they have recommendations. A loan company may have realtors they work with or avoid. These relationships can give you insight into the industry.
3. Find An Agent The Fits Your Needs
Not every real estate agent works with every type of real estate. Narrow down your options by looking for realtors that often work in your budget. For example, a realtor who often sells million-dollar homes, may not be the best option for a couple looking for their first budget home. Check to see if the real estate agent works in the area you are looking to buy. In smaller towns, this may not be a huge issue, but in some larger cities, a block difference can mean a completely different price range. If your agent is not familiar with the location you are wanting, it may not be the best fit. Finally, look at the realtor’s licenses and if it is their full or part-time job. Make sure these qualifications fit what you are needing in a realtor.
4. Schedule A Meeting And Talk To Several Realtors
After you’ve done your research and asked around, schedule a meeting with your top contenders. Come prepared to the meetings with any questions you may have. Discuss your preferred communication methods, and see if they line up. Talk about how much you’ll be communicating, what your timeline is, and what your expectations are. Also, talk about any additional cost expectations and any commissions. All these questions will help you decide if you and the agent are on the same page, and if they are the right fit for you.
5. Go With Your Gut
Finally, after all is said and done, it’s important to go with your gut. If you felt like you had a great experience with a real estate agent, listen to yourself! If you left a meeting with a knot in your stomach and weren’t sure what to think, listen to your gut. You know what is best for you, and with such a big purchase, it’s important to feel comfortable and trusting towards your agent!
By using these five tips, you will be better able to figure out the best real estate agent for you. Use these tips to help narrow down your options, and take your time to do what’s most suited for you. If you have any questions or want to schedule a meeting with the Lemmon Team, feel free to contact us. We are always here to make your experience an enjoyable one! To learn more about buying or selling a house, read our other blogs.