Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions of your life. The same goes for selling. That’s why we always recommend you find a professional agent who will have your back before, during, and afterward too.
Whether you’re buying or selling a home this year, you can accomplish it without a Real Estate Agent, but we sure wonder why you would try. You deserve to have an experienced professional in your corner when it comes to a transaction like that.
Yes, homes are selling faster than ever. But that means there is less time for you to understand the process. A Real Estate Agent can guide you and take care of the details so you can stay focused on managing your household for the transition.
If a last-minute problem arises, experienced agents have connections you can count on. They have been networking longer than you have been in the market to buy or sell. Do you have contacts for pest control, legal issues, handyman repairs, and home inspections? There likely isn’t an emergency situation a trusted Real Estate Agent has not encountered.
With the internet, everyone has access to MLS and other resources, right? You can pay for access, but if you are working with an agent, they know the ins and outs of that essential platform and have the access you need.
Some sellers plan to save money by handling it themselves. But there’s a reason ‘for sale by owner’ deals have shrunk from 19% to just 8% in the last 20 years, according to the National Association of Realtors®. It’s better left to the professionals who can help you sell for a higher price and shield you from the hassles. Find an agent you can trust and who knows the current market.
It’s one thing to choose a professional and it’s another to find a professional who’s right for you. There’s potential for you to work with whomever you choose for several months or longer, so choose carefully. These tips may help:
- Start by figuring out what it means to you to be a ‘great agent.’ Are they a sales leader? Have they been in the business the longest? Do you have similar backgrounds? Do you belong to the same organizations? There’s more than one way to be great.
- Consult family and friends for referrals. Word of mouth is a good way to connect with professionals you can trust right away.
- Check your neighborhood and ask about the agents listed on for sale signs. Ask if they would work with that person again and gauge their response.
- Search local marketing efforts for messaging that appeals to you. It could be a billboard, social media ad, newspaper article.
- If community involvement is important to you, ask people you know in the organizations you support to refer agents they may know who are active in the community.
- Ask your previous agent for a referral if you have bought or sold a home previously in another location.
- A quick online search could help you narrow down your choices. Is their name in the news? Can you relate to the biography posted on their website? Do you follow the same people or groups on social media? Does that matter to you?
As a mortgage lender, we strive to establish long-term relationships with clients, and we value collaboration with the other professionals on your team. A smooth working relationship makes everything better.
