Are you thinking of moving homes soon?
If yes, you need to find the best real estate agent first before even starting the property search process. Otherwise, you might find yourself getting into a bad deal while buying the house or renting it depending on the situation.
This can cause you emotional pain if you don’t know the risks beforehand. Therefore, consider the tips below in choosing a real estate agent.
1. Search for Real Estate Agents Online and Compare Reviews
Take the time to research different agents online and read reviews from past clients. This will give you a good sense of who will be the best fit for you. Interview a few different agents to get a feel for their personality and see if they truly have your best interests at heart.
Be sure to ask about their experience and success rate to get a better sense of their ability to help you achieve your goals. Make sure you are comfortable with the agent you choose and that you feel confident in their ability to help you find the perfect home.
2. Check if the Real Estate Agent is Licensed
One important thing to consider is whether or not they are licensed. A real estate agent needs to have a license to practice, so this is a good way to weed out anyone who isn’t serious about the business. You can usually find this information on an agent’s website or business card.
So only work with an agent who is licensed to be sure of a smooth transaction.
3. Find Out the Commission Types
If you’re considering hiring a real estate agent, one of the first things you should do is find out what kind of commission they charge. There are two common commission types, the fixed rate, and the variable rate.
Fixed Rate
Fixed-rate commissions are the most straightforward where the agent charges a set percentage of the home’s sale price, regardless of how much work they did. This can be a good option if you’re selling a high-priced home since you’ll know exactly how much you’re paying in commissions. However, it’s not as good of a deal for agents, so you may have difficulty finding one willing to work with you on a fixed-rate commission.
Variable Rate
Variable-rate commissions are based on a percentage of the home’s sale price, but the agent and the homeowner negotiate the rate beforehand. This can be a good option if you’re selling a lower-priced home since the agent will likely be willing to accept a lower commission.
4. Inquire About the Transaction Inclusions
A good place to start is by asking about the transaction inclusions, such as paperwork. An important thing to consider when choosing a real estate agent is to inquire about the transaction inclusions. You will want to know what services are included in the transaction, such as marketing, advertising, showings, open houses, and probably everything needed as discussed in this article.
This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the agent and whether or not they’re able to provide the level of service you need.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent Can Help Your House Hunt
If you’re planning on buying a home, choosing a real estate agent can help make the process go more smoothly. A good agent will be familiar with the area you’re interested in and can help you find homes that match your criteria. So, if you’re ready to start house hunting, be sure to choose a good real estate agent to help you out.
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