If you are searching for a new home or looking to list a property, it is important to have a real estate agent by your side. However, a real estate agent needs to exhibit several traits before he or she earns your business. While almost all agents are passionate about their jobs and will do anything to help their clients, it is important to find the right fit. This blog will help you select a realtor by listing several traits you should look for when choosing a real estate agent.
Tech-Savvy
The world of real estate is evolving with virtual tours, Zoom meetings, and other emerging tech. A great real estate agent will embrace it and offer the ability for you to use that tech to take tours and set up meetings when in-person is not possible.
Why is being tech-savvy a good thing? For one, it is more convenient, and it shows the agent is willing to evolve with the times. Second, many agents use the latest tech to market your home to a broader audience or to put the newest listings in front of you as soon as possible.
Honesty, Integrity, and Communication
Purchasing or selling a property is a major financial decision, and you will want the person working with you to have a high level of honesty and integrity. An honest and knowledgeable real estate agent will give you a detailed summary of the market, be transparent with every step of the transaction process, and be straightforward about the services he or she provides.
Good agents will also spend a tremendous amount of time listening. It is important for the agent to learn about your homeownership goals, your must-haves and your nice-to-haves, and your concerns. They are representing you and your interests, not theirs.
Spend some time interviewing realtors to determine who you believe will help you achieve your goals. You should find that experienced agents will be comfortable communicating, open to discussing the advantages and challenges of the real estate market, and willing to discuss pros and cons so you can make the best decision possible for you and your family.
Negotiation Skills
Another trait to look for in a real estate agent is their ability to negotiate. Real estate agents are the go-between for buyers and sellers. As a result, agents on both sides of a transaction are trying to achieve the best results for their clients. Negotiating skills will help the agent navigate complex deals, different opinions on pricing, counteroffers, and other obstacles that often arise in real estate transactions. Skilled negotiators are determined and can find solutions while still protecting their client’s interests.
Local Expertise
In today’s world, cities are often vast and expanding. Even if a real estate agent has done business in the past in a certain area, it does not mean they are a local expert.
Research agents who have done business in the neighborhoods you are interested in that offer additional information about the community. A local expert should be able to easily discuss things like schools, walkability, local businesses, parks, and more. The local expert is familiar with the best hamburger in town to what streets to avoid during rush hour.
Real Estate Knowledge
A real estate agent needs to understand the housing market, which is constantly fluctuating, from the national level to the hyperlocal. An excellent real estate agent knows how to explain the state of the market to you in an easy-to-digest way. He or she will spend time reviewing the economy, interest rates, governance, and other factors that impact real estate.
Education and training are important aspects of real estate, and agents who excel at their jobs are often participating in activities that help their development. Depending on your situation, you may want to seek out agents who have earned certain designations or certifications such as the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), or Military Relocation Professional (MRP).
Passion
Finally, a real estate agent should be giving off positive energy and showing authentic enjoyment in their career. For great real estate agents, the profession is more than a paycheck; the agents have a genuine interest in helping people get the home of their dreams. They view themselves as the trusted advisor in a fascinating and complex industry.
Naturally, individuals who are passionate about real estate are going to talk about it. To everyone. They relish the opportunity to meet new people and establish relationships. Often clients become friends and friends become clients. The line between career and personal life blurs because the passionate agent lives and breathes real estate.
Passion is not something that can be faked. Those committed to the profession stand out!
Conclusion
While there are many real estate agents to choose from, these traits will ensure that the agent you choose is the right one for you. Take the time to meet with prospective agents and get to know them. Remember, they are working for you! With the right match, buying or selling property can be a joyful and stressless process.
