How to Find a Real Estate Agent

If you are looking at selling your home for the first time or buying your first home, then there may be many questions that you have that only a real estate agent can ask. However, it is very important to find a real estate agent that you can trust and will answer all the questions that you have, no matter how trivial or difficult they may be. There are a few tips to finding a real estate agent and a few steps that you should take before you decide on the one for you.

Speak to Friends and Family

The first thing that you should do is ask your family or friends about the real estate agents that they have used or at least looked into. Ask your parents about who they used for their home. An older company may still be in business and it is a very good sign if they are. If they are not, then you will need to keep looking. Check with friends who have recently bought a house or check with somebody that you know who has sold a house. Ask who they used and if they would recommend them. Most people will be happy to offer advice on the real estate agents to go for.

The Internet is Your Friend

If this fails, then check the Internet for the real estate agents in your area. Check the websites for any that you find and specifically look for any testimonials or reviews. If in doubt, always look for third party review websites so you can find all-round reviews to make a well-informed decision. Companies should be happy to supply any testimonials if you ask them. If they are not willing, question what they want to hide.

Make a List of Questions

Make sure that you have a list of any questions that you want to ask the real estate agents that you do find reliable. Try to make this about the company themselves and a bit about what you actually want to ask them about buying or selling your home so you can find out exactly how much they know. Most of them will answer your simple questions for free so that you can be happy about paying for their service. If they will not answer one or two questions without an upfront payment, then politely end the call and telephone another company. Never expect them to answer all of your questions, just the basic ones.

If you have been buying and selling houses for a while, you may not need a real estate agent for the legal paperwork but it is always worth knowing of one just in case you do run into a few questions or problems.

Take your time finding a real estate agent who is highly recommended. If you are selling your home, you need to find one with a good track record. If you are buying it then find one who will be able to help you find something that just what you need. This will help you get the best value for your money.