5 QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR NEXT REAL ESTATE AGENT

Looking for the right real estate agent is much like shopping for the perfect pair of shoes—they must be comfortable, reliable, and withstand any weather. It’s very similar to a real estate agent—they must be somebody who is the right fit for you, somebody you can count on, and somebody who will be by your side and take you through any hardships in the process.

Make it a point to not just hire someone who was recommended to you, but rather someone who you get along with well and who seems genuinely interested in helping you, not just profiting off you. Your agent will wear many hats, so it is imperative that you find someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, honest, and a good communicator as well as negotiator.

Good Communicator

An agent that’s a good fit for you will honor your desired communication style whether that is an email, phone call, or a text. They should be approachable and make you feel comfortable to ask any questions. Most importantly, they should keep you constantly informed because real estate is a time-sensitive environment where things change fast. An important part of being a good agent also means being a good listener. The agent you are looking for will actively listen to your needs and desires.

Expert In Your Desired Area

Inquire about the agent’s experience such as how long have they been an agent for and how many homes did they sell in the last year or two. Those with more experience will also have a strong local networking base which may prove to be helpful at some point in your transaction. The right agent will have a deep understanding of the local area and will be able to provide information about daycares, schools, restaurants, etc.

Honest and Ethical

The best agents are client-oriented because they ensure that their clients feel supported, informed, and heard. An agent who puts his clients first is upfront and honest whether he is delivering good or bad news. They don’t try to sell you just any home. Instead, they put an effort into making sure that the house you buy is the right fit for your whole family.

Knowledgeable Of the Process

It is imperative that your agent understands the current ever changing market trends. They help you navigate through the entire process and explain everything step by step. A good sign is when the agent actively pursues professional development.

Negotiates Well

Good negotiating skills are paramount in this business. The agents haggle most over the listing and selling prices. The important thing is to feel that your agent will negotiate on your behalf to the best of their ability.

Andrea Marks is an Army spouse and a mom of two. Her educational background is professional journalism. Apart from writing articles for MilHousing Network blog, she is also an Encyclopedic Article Author for EBSCOhost Research Platform and a Child and Youth Program Assistant at a NATO military base in the Netherlands. At her previous location in South Korea, Andrea was a Volunteer Editor for a PCS reference guidebook, and a devoted SFRG Volunteer.