Before you begin your journey of learning how to find a real estate agent, it is important to know some of the basics. Certain terminology may sound similar, but they indicate different functions or tasks. Here are some of the basics you should keep in mind.
Real Estate Agent vs. Broker
To begin, a definition of a real estate agent is helpful in distinguishing this position from others. A real estate agent is a licensed representative of either a buyer or seller. Their goal is to help people buy and sell real estate in exchange for a commission on the sale. Agents work under a brokerage and, therefore, cannot do independent work.
A broker, however, works independently and can have agents working for them. This means that a broker receives both commissions for their own deals as well as from the agents that work for the broker. Brokers typically have education beyond the agent level and foresee more technical aspects of deals.
An average of 86% of home buyers purchased through a real estate agent or broker. Both are suitable options for searching for a new home.
Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor
Now that you know what a real estate agent is, what is the difference between that and a realtor? A realtor must be a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adhere to NAR’s code of ethics which requires putting clients’ interests over their own. Nonetheless, they perform many of the same tasks as real estate agents, but with that added credential to their title.
How to Find a Real Estate Agent
What is the real estate agent’s experience?
Experience is key in finding the best real estate agent for you. Looking at different real estate agents’ websites can be helpful in discovering which one is a good fit. You can browse through the kinds of homes they offer and their client history, if available.
How much commission do they charge?
The commission is certainly an important subject to consider. Many successful real estate agents with amazing results exchange their professional experience for higher commission rates. Buying and selling agents charge different rates, but you can control which agent you think will offer you the best balance of experience and cost for your side of the bargain.
Typical real estate agent commissions range from 5-6% of total sales on average. This is a good gauge in helping you evaluate which real estate agents are best for your goals.
Do they have good reviews from past clients?
This may seem simple, but reviews are key for understanding what quality of service your agent will offer you. Your agent is being entrusted with important information about your home, and you will want someone dependable and highly praised.
Reading reviews from past clients is one of the best methods to ensure that your home-buying or selling experience is successful. Reviews provide key insight into the best attributes of an agent as well as potential drawbacks. If the agent you are researching has overwhelmingly bad reviews, it might be best to keep on looking. That said, a few negative reviews aren’t something to be overly concerned about as long as the positive reviews outweigh them.
Steven Shelton is a real estate agent with incredible reviews. Be sure to check out a client’s website for testimonials as a starting point for finding an agent who is certified to help you in your buying or selling process.
Things to Look for in a Buyer’s Agent
They’ll help you find homes in your price range
The housing market is always fluctuating, which is why a buyer’s agent is helpful in assisting you in buying a home at the right time and price. It can be overwhelming to examine the various costs of homes you will come across in your search. A real estate agent can streamline this process by providing you with viable options. A good buyer’s agent will take your goals seriously and suggest homes that most conform to your price range.
They’ll negotiate with sellers to get you a better price
Though not always possible, real estate agents who prioritize getting you the best price for your new home are essential. Often, real estate agents are professional negotiators who are ready to bargain extensively.
Yet, it’s important to note that some real estate agents are better at negotiating than others. Pay attention to the tactics and efforts your agent puts into getting you a better price. This is another thing to look out for when reading reviews and testimonials.
They will give you realistic expectations for both home availability and competition
It can be challenging to gauge what the viable options are for your home buying. A helpful buyer’s agent will prompt you with a realistic frame of reference about what the market looks like in terms of the number and prices of homes available, as well as how competitive the environment is. This is important in fixing your expectations to achieve realistic, beneficial results rather than being disappointed by the truths of the market.
Things to Look for in a Seller’s Agent
They’ll help you market your home
A significant aspect of selling your home is marketing its appeal to interested buyers. Your home could be one of the most beautiful and desirable in your community, but if it is not marketed properly, it may draw little to no attention.
A good seller’s agent will construct a narrative of the best facets of your home for home buyers to draw in crowds. Open houses, posts on real estate websites, and more could all contribute to better success in achieving the best offer for your home possible.
They’ll tell you what improvements to make to your home
In more cases than not, there is something you could do to market your home better. Successful real estate agents evaluate your home's strengths and weaknesses and inform you of the steps that need to be taken in order to make improvements and cater to buyers better.
They’ll know comparable listings in your area because they have experience selling them
An ideal real estate agent will have extensive experience with selling homes in the area you live. This will help them to gauge the realistic market options but will also provide you with knowledge about what other homes in the area are selling for and how your home compares. Check out which neighborhoods and communities your real estate agent has experience with serving before you commit to their help.
Ready to work with a great agent?
Now that you have a better grasp in understanding what a real estate agent can offer you and how you can go about selecting the best one for you, are you ready to find your own great agent? Steven Shelton has all of the makings of a fantastic real estate agent, going above and beyond what’s listed above. Check out what services he has to offer, and be assured you are getting the best real estate experience possible when you partner with Steven.
