Most people when they are planning to sell or buy a house, they usually opt to use a real estate agent. More agents are getting into this industry, this has led to the market been flooded with real estate agents. Here is a guide on how to choose a reputable real estate agent.
It is advisable to get in touch with your friends, family members and ask them if they know any reputable real estate agent that is based in your area. If you referred to the same agent by different people, then this a reputable agent and you should consider working with them.
Also, it is important you do your homework and research more on the real estate agent. Go through the agent’s website and read the testimonies from different clients. When reading the reviews and the testimonies about the agent, make sure you are getting them from reputable platforms. Most importantly, go to sites such as better business bureau and see if there are any unresolved complains that have been filed against the real estate agent by their past clients.
Does the real estate agent have any experience? An agent that has been in this field for many years will provide you with better services compared to a new one. An experienced agent has established themselves in the market over the years. Also, when buying a house, the agent will get you the kind of house that you need within a short duration. If you want to know the duration of time the agent has been operating, just check online.
All agents will charge you a commission, if they help you in buying or selling a house. Call several agents and ask them what is their percentage commission, then go for the one you are comfortable with their fee.
Does the real estate agent have a license to operate? Insist on getting of the license the agent is using, so that you can verify its authentic. Does the real estate agent have membership to any organizations in this industry. Avoid dealing with a real estate agent that does not have a physical location, in case of anything you will have no where you can go to file your complaint.
Does the real estate agent have any customer references? Unless the agent has not offered good services to their past clients, they should not have a problem giving you their reference list. Schedule sometime and call the agent’s references. When you call them, you can ask them to narrate how their experience was dealing with the real estate agent. Decide if you should deal with the agent, based on the response that you will get.
Also, choose an agent that is based in your area.