You need to balance the reputation, credentials and the chemistry of the real estate agent well to get out the maximum benefit of hiring a real estate agent to buy or sell your property. It is essential to work with someone whom you like and share a handsome compatibility given the fact that dealing with a property takes time. The agent on the other hand also has to understand all your need and requirement and safeguard your interests well. As property dealings involve a lot of money, Robbie Rothenberg suggests that it is essential that hire a good and trustworthy real estate agent.
A good and reliable real estate agent would listen to your needs and priorities carefully first and then suggest suitable ways satisfy it and not otherwise. This enables your agent as well as you in not wasting time on properties that do not fit your bill or purpose. Therefore, you must not sign the deal with the first agent that you come across but ask your friends, family members and colleagues instead for good references and then go for shopping. It is best to interview at least three, if not more, such real estate agents to compare their experience, reputation, personality, skill, and above all the cost of hiring.
When you consider the experience that could be best adjudged by their years in business. More years would mean they have a lot of contacts and experience than those who have just started. Ideally, a good and reliable real estate agent should have at least five years of experience, if not more. But that does not mean that someone who has just started would not be able to provide you with good service and result, but why should you not play safe with your hard earned money.
Remember to check their license and make sure that they dedicate full time to their job. This would ensure that they abide by the strict rules and regulations as laid by the association of realtors for the respective state. Real estate is just like a local game which you need to win but plays ethically. Therefore, finding someone in the area is elementary as they would know more about the latest market trends, the neighborhood, and time required reaching to schools, offices, and hospitals. They would also know which properties are red flagged by the government for any upcoming project.
Lastly and most importantly, you should inquire about the price and find a suitable property that would fit in your budget. This would narrow down your search if the real estate agent is local as they can easily rattle off the properties which would not suit you. Check for the listings and also the houses that they have dealt with recently in your targeted neighborhood. While doing this checks the listing price and the price at which the house was bought or sold eventually. This would ensure their bargaining capacity and finally, make some calls to the customers who have enjoyed their service to find about their experience.