Once you’ve made your short list, it’s time to start doing some research. Ask friends and family for recommendations, explore the area with a friend or family member, or even research agents online. Check out sites like HomeLight, Google’s business page, Yelp, or a local real estate association. Look for reviews and ratings to get a better idea of the agent’s personality and people skills.
Questions to ask a real estate agent
There are a few key questions to ask a realtor MA before hiring one. These include how the agent handles paperwork, whether he or she is available to show homes, and how much time he or she commits to a transaction. Buyers should also consider the agent’s market knowledge and marketing strategy. After all, if you’re buying or selling your home, you want someone who understands the local market.
When should you list your home? Depending on your goals, a real estate agent can give you an idea of what your home is worth. If you’re aiming to sell quickly, you may wish to wait until a buyer comes along with a higher offer. Otherwise, you could advertise your home and create more value. There are a number of reasons to sell your home, and an agent can help you choose the right time to sell it.
Signing a buyer-broker agreement
When you are looking for a real estate agent, signing a buyer-broker agreement is a must. In some cases, you may have to sign the buyer-broker agreement with more than one agent. While this may be convenient, it limits your options and limits your flexibility. If you aren’t happy with the results of your search, you can choose another agent or narrow your search by choosing a nearby town or property.
Always read the fine print of the buyer-broker agreement. It should clearly specify the time frame of the agreement, which can be up to 90 days. You should also consider the fee structure. If you aren’t satisfied with your chosen agent, you can cancel the agreement if you feel that you don’t like the services. Most agreements contain clauses that allow buyers to terminate the contract without paying any money.
Verifying credentials
When you’re looking for a real estate agent, verifying their credentials is crucial. While this may not be as simple as checking their license number, it can help you decide whether to hire them. Most real estate agents and brokers have websites where you can view their sales history. Also, make sure you request a list of closed homes if possible. If the agent refuses to provide this information, you should move on to the next agent.
Ask for references. A real estate agent should be able to provide you with references. Ask for these references to verify their experience, professionalism, and communication skills. You can also speak to their past clients to get an idea of what kind of work they do. You can also ask for a list of previous clients and refer them to friends or family members who’ve used their services. Checking their credentials is also a good idea if you’re buying or selling a home.
Working with a brokerage
When choosing a real estate agent, you should think about whether you’d prefer a big-name real-estate firm or a smaller boutique brokerage. Both styles of brokerages offer their own pros and cons, so you should consider both before selecting a broker. In addition to your real estate agent’s fee, consider the brokerage’s culture and how they treat their clients. Do you prefer a broker who puts their clients’ needs first?
Another consideration when choosing a real estate agent is how the brokerage handles training. Real estate agents spend a large portion of their time working independently, so a good fit between broker, office staff, and other agents can mean the difference between love and hate for a job. If there’s a cultural mismatch, selling real estate can be an arduous process. The culture of the brokerage office should be a match for your professional needs.
