11 tips to find your broker
Buying or selling a home is an exciting experience for anyone, and the process should be enhanced when partnering with a real estate broker who is highly skilled in the market, but also the right fit for you. Finding that perfect fit can be challenging, so here are our tips on things to look for, and questions to ask yourself when searching for the right real estate representation.
1. Choose The Person, Not The Experience
Choose an agent who works for you and with you. That means, think beyond just their “experience”. While in some cases, years of experience and market knowledge is great to have, but often it’s not everything. You will be spending a lot of time with your agent, so choose someone relatable and authentic. Sometimes newer agents can bring fresh energy and outlook to the table that you won’t find with seasoned brokers. It just depends on what you’re looking for. Ask yourself, "Is their marketing about them or their properties?" You want to learn about them - not only the properties they represent.
2. Remember Chemistry Is Key
It's best to interview a few agents before you choose your partner. Focus on neighborhood expertise; look for hyperlocal. Have they moved recently? What can they tell you about your areas of interest beyond just the properties?
3. Seek Referrals From Other Homeowners
Despite the many types of technology that can help to search for a home, the right real estate agent is still a human-to-human choice. Referrals are everything. There's no bigger compliment to an agent than a referral from a past client. Ask homeowners who they would recommend. If you know the area you want to purchase or sell your home in, ring doorbells or post online to see who residents have worked within that neighborhood.
4. Find Someone Who Has Your Best Interests At Heart
Ask yourself, "Does my real estate agent have my best interests at heart?" Be honest and transparent about what you’re looking for, and if an agent isn’t bringing you the right options, it’s likely they aren’t looking for houses for you but rather to benefit themselves. Ask questions up front and don’t be afraid to move on to someone else if the relationship doesn’t feel right.
5. Go With Your Gut Feeling
Your brain uses logic and emotion when making a decision, and that specific feeling you get when doing so is your intuition — your gut feeling. If you're interviewing a real estate agent for the job, first look to see that they do a lot of business and have a lot of raving fans. Second, go with your gut feeling. If it feels right, it probably is.
6. Find An Agent You Can Trust
As the client, you begin the dialogue — but pay close attention to the agent or broker and how he/she listens and asks YOU questions. Most successful agents have access to the technology it takes to make your property seen or to find options for purchase, but it takes a human being to understand and work to achieve your specific goals.
7. Look at How They Market Properties
Look at the agent’s work. The easiest and most valuable way is to review how they're marketing other properties. Look at their listing materials, website, brochures, and signage. Pay attention to their brand.
8. Make Sure They Offer Adequate Support
Are they supported by a team? An agent who has team support is able to offer a high level of customer service to every customer. Most agents work with several clients at a time. The logistics of buying/selling a home are complicated, and it's easy to miss something or fall short without a proper support staff.
9. Check If They Mitigate Risk
Find a real estate agent who is honest about the risks of buying or selling. Throw out the flattery and select an agent that is clear and transparent about potential risks, and brings a mitigation plan. When interviewing agents, pay attention to those using real data in their answers when it comes to investment analysis, neighborhood-level market performance, and the long-term impact of your decision to buy or sell.
10. Look For Strong Core Values
Whether it's business or pleasure, finding a good person all comes down to core values. Core values are important because you want to work with someone that plays by the same rules you do.
11. Find A Compassionate Agent Who Understands You
Buying a house can be stressful, especially if you are facing a life change like expanding your family, new professional opportunities, or relocating from out of state among others. Find an agent who is patient with you and your circumstances. See if they can personally relate to your circumstances, or offer ways to ensure the real estate process can be made easier for you.