Purchasing a house is not as easy as buying a car, and it is considered one of the most significant financial decisions people will make in their life. When they are ready to purchase, finding real estate agents with tons of experience to guide them through the buying process is very important.
There is no shortage of agents competing for people’s businesses through yard signs, listings, newspapers, and online advertisements. But with so many agents to choose from, finding a reputable one can feel pretty overwhelming. Individuals can follow these simple tips on how to find a reliable real estate agent to ensure they hire the best professional for their home purchase.
First, Buyers Should Get Pre-Approved for a Housing Loan
Sometimes, property shoppers hire real estate agents and dive into their search before they talk to mortgage lending firms. But it is smart to speak to a lending firm first to learn how much the buyer can afford. Getting pre-approved for mortgages educates people on the max amount they can borrow, as well as identifies any problems that need to be worked on at the beginning of the process.
It helps buyers stick to properties in the price range that is right for them. Not only that, it will show real estate agents, as well as sellers, that they are serious purchasers. In a very competitive market, people will be more likely to need preapproval letters for property sellers even to consider the offer.
Get Referrals From Family Members and Friends
Purchasers can ask individuals in their network if they can recommend reputable agents with whom they have had good experiences. Ideally speaking, they want individuals who have tons of experience working with clients similar to them. For instance, the needs of first-time property purchasers are different from repeat buyers or property owners who are planning to downsize.
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Look for Agents Who are Also Realtors
It means they are NAR or the National Association of Realtors members and have agreed to abide by the organization’s code of ethics. Some professional realtors also have valid certifications to show they have completed training in a particular area of expertise. Some of these designations may include:
Certified Residential Specialist or CRS: It is a completed additional training in managing residential properties
Accredited Buyer’s Representative or ABR: Completed training in representing purchasers in any form of transactions
Senior Real Estate Specialists or SRES: Completed training focused on helping both parties aged 50 years old or older
People should also familiarize themselves with the difference between a purchaser’s and a seller’s agent. Purchaser’s REA represents property buyers in any real estate transaction, while listing or seller’s REA is responsible for the other side, including marketing and pricing the property.
Sometimes, a single REA can act as the expert for both sides, also known as a dual agency. Some areas do not allow dual agency. It can have some innate risk, so people need to keep this in mind if they are considering agreeing to the arrangement. They might also encounter agents who act as referral representatives. It means they provide leads to other representatives for a certain fee.
Research Possible Candidates
People can start the process by examining the professional’s online presence. People can check their social media accounts or company and personal website. They can also take a closer look at the professional’s online reviews from past clients. Individuals should not worry about a couple of negative reviews, but more than two could be a huge red flag.
Check with the state regulators to confirm that the representative they are considering is properly licensed or find out whether past or present disciplinary actions. Individuals might also vet potential candidates they are interviewing on the Crailsheim BBB sites to see if they have received complaints.
Request for References – and Don’t Forget to Check Them
Homeowners can ask professionals who are considering to help provide info on properties they have sold or listed in the past, with active contact info for at least a couple of recent clients. They can reach out to these clients to find out their past experiences, as well as what kind of support the professional provided throughout the process. They can ask whether they would hire professionals again for the next transaction.
