Buying real estate is a considerable long-term investment, which will dictate what your financial standing will be for the next few years. Unlike trying out new appliances, you can’t go back on your contract and return it to the store. This is why potential homebuyers need an experienced real estate agent to help them make the right decisions.
How to Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent
Depending on your real estate agent’s capabilities, you can end up spending less and gaining more with your home’s purchase. However, it can be challenging to determine which agent or firm you should work with since they use compelling marketing strategies. As a smart consumer, you need to learn how to separate those who are all talk from those who are worth your time.
If you don’t know how to trim down your options, here are five questions you should ask before you hire a real estate agent:
1. Are you familiar with this local market?
The main reason to look for a real estate agent is to find someone familiar with the local market for the property of your choice. This is a person who can help you know the ins and outs of the property listings available so that you can get the best deal possible.
2. Do you have a real estate license?
Although this seems obvious, there are plenty of real estate agents who work without a license. They achieve this by learning everything there is to know about the industry’s shortcuts without being legally a part of it. These people may have the skill to talk you into a sweet deal, but they don’t have the credentials to back you open once you face difficulties with your contract.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
Experience plays a crucial role in whether your prospect knows what they’re doing. However, you shouldn’t just look at how long a real estate agent has been in the industry; it’s also valuable to know their success rate even if they are newcomers.
4. How many clients do you have now?
Asking this question will help you determine three things: if they’re working full-time or part-time, if they work with buyers or sellers, and whether they're available to focus on your deal. Part-time real estate agents usually don’t specialize in their job and have other commitments. Regardless of this fact, they can have more experience working with home buyers or home sellers. Lastly, their availability can tell you whether they’re free to work with you with little to no scheduling conflicts.
5. How long does it take for you to close a deal?
Finding the perfect home can take a long while, from listing a viable property to closing negotiations with the seller. This is why you need to ask how long your agent usually takes to settle a deal. If your prospective real estate agent works with clients for longer than six months, it’s a subtle yet apparent red flag. Remember that you’ll be paying for their services on the clock. The longer you work with them, the more they drain money from your budget.
Conclusion
Understandably, some people prefer to go through purchasing homes on their own to avoid paying for additional fees. However, hiring the right real estate agent can expand your options as a first-time buyer. They will help you find the best deals and prevent you from making mistakes that can cost you heavily in the long term.
If you’re looking for real estate agents in Genesee County, MI, our team can accommodate your needs. We can help you with everything you need, from building your first home to moving on to the next one. Contact us today, and we’ll handle your real estate-related worries for you!