Buying a property is a tedious process and one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make. That is why finding an experienced real estate agent who can guide you through the process is critical. 

You may find plenty of real estate agents fighting for the job, with newspaper listings, online ads, and yard signs all contending for the position. Finding the right one, though, can be difficult with these many options. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know in finding the best real estate agent you can trust. 

Things to Consider Before Looking for a Real Estate Agent

Before contacting a real estate agent, you should come fully prepared for selling and/or buying a home. Here's a list of the most crucial things you need to bear in mind before you call your agent.

When buying

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  Mortgage Pre-approval - A mortgage pre-approval is essential since it will help you narrow down your price range when looking for a new home. You don't want to waste time looking at houses that are out of your price range.
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  Mortgage Loan Process - This is particularly crucial for first-time homebuyers. A down payment (approximately 20% is ideal) and earnest money—a deposit that can be allocated to closing fees or the down payment once your bid on a home is accepted—should be included in your budget. You'll also have to include annual property taxes and insurance, which you'll probably put into an escrow account as part of your monthly mortgage payment.
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  Housing Priorities - Narrow down your requirements. Establish the type of housing that you really want, as well as the amenities your lifestyle requires. If you haven't already, familiarize yourself with the towns and neighborhoods where you want to live.

When selling

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  Planning Process With an Agent - Begin looking for an agency as soon as possible. It takes a while to prepare a property or home for sale, especially if it needs extensive renovations. You may budget and prepare for repairs that will pay for themselves and allow you to receive the greatest price possible if you talk to a listing agent many months to a year before you decide to sell.
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  The Staging Process - Organize your living space. If your home is messy, you will need to declutter it before putting it on the market. Clear away boxes you haven't opened in decades, outdated furniture you won't be bringing with you, and objects that are just taking up room.

With all that cleared out, let's move on to where to look for your real estate agent. 

Where to look

When buying or selling a property, over 89% of homeowners hire a real estate agent or broker. Selecting the right agent for you is critical to a successful transaction.

You can jumpstart your hunt through:

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  Your Friends and Relatives  - Request recommendations from people in your network who have worked with a reputable real estate agent. You want someone who has worked with clients who are comparable to you in the past. First-time purchasers, for example, have different requirements than repeat buyers or homeowners wishing to downsize.
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  Online Search - You can also search online. Examine each agent's web presence, which includes social media platforms and customer reviews. One or two bad reviews aren't a big deal, but more than that could be a red flag. Also, look around your community to discover which Realtors and companies are selling homes, and go to open houses to meet them.
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  Your State’s Real Estate Regulator - Checking with the chamber of commerce in the area where you want to purchase or sell could help you identify agents who are involved in their communities. Another alternative is to call real estate brokerage firms, either well-known national firms or smaller firms with a strong local presence and reputation.
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  Referral Agents - If you're looking for a property out of state and need to hire an agent in that location but don't have the connections to find one, a real estate referral agent is your best option. A referral agent, such as a local agent you already know and trust, can introduce you to another agency in exchange for a percentage of the local agent's commission.

Buyer’s agent vs. seller’s agent

It may be already self-explanatory but make sure you understand the distinction between a buyer's agent and a seller's agent. In a real estate transaction, a buyer's agent represents the buyer, while a seller's or listing agent is in charge of the seller's side, which includes pricing, marketing, and negotiating the conditions of the sale. 

Dual agency occurs when a single real estate agent acts as both the buyer's and seller's agent. Dual agency is illegal in some places, and it carries some danger, so bear that in mind if you're thinking about agreeing to it.

You can also come across an agent who works as a referral agent, which means that for a fee, the agent provides leads to other agents.

Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent

Knowing where to look is key, but choosing the right one can be tricky. Below is a list of the most critical questions to ask while interviewing agents. 

What prior experience do you have?

This isn't strictly a question about how long a broker has been in business; rather, it's a question about how well they know the local market and your type of property. Inquire about what has sold in your neighborhood in the last three months, six months, for how much, and how long. "What is the pricing of comparable properties?" you might wonder.

A smart broker will refuse to market a property that is overpriced in their opinion. Ask how often they've had to cut the price of a property to make a sale because marketing your home at the right price is crucial. Brokers should have all of this information at their fingertips, be able to back it up with data and be aware of market psychology.

How can we get in touch?

Give the broker your preferred method of communication: text, phone, or email. It's crucial to remember that texting isn't a good way to communicate important legal information. Ask if they'll commit to providing full written documents and activity reports (every two weeks is an acceptable expectation), and make sure they're accessible when you have queries or require an update.

What’s Your Marketing Plan? (If you are selling) 

You want a full description of everything the broker will do to get your property "out there," such as blogs or special events like an invitation-only cocktail party for select brokers and prospective purchasers. How will they make your home stand out among the hundreds of others that a buyer will see?

Because digital marketing is so important (over 90% of purchasers start their search online), have them show you some sample web listings they have done recently. 

Make sure the marketing budget includes a professional photographer, not a photographer who will take generic wide-angle shots. You want someone who can catch the details as well as the major and intriguing features of your property, such as the breathtaking view from your deck or a special feature in one of the rooms.

Do you have other connections that can help? 

This suggests you're interested in how well-connected they are both within their companies and in the real estate industry. A seasoned broker will have good contacts with other real estate experts, such as staging businesses, real estate lawyers, photographers, and even reputable moving companies.

Do You Have Any References?

This is not to be overlooked. Make a note of the names of any recent clients. For that first meeting, it's always beneficial for the broker to have a page or two of quotes from clients, but don't rely primarily on that. Make the necessary calls.

Find the Best Realtor in North Liberty, Iowa

The right real estate agent can make all the difference in today's hyper-competitive home market. Hire someone you can trust and feel at ease with, someone who can look out for your best interests throughout the process. For buyers, the more familiar an agent is with a given location, the more likely they are to lead you to the correct house at the right price, on time, and within your budget.

If you are thinking of selling or buying your home, Gateway Access Realty can be of help. We pay close attention to your real estate goals and work hard to find solutions that work for you. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we have the knowledge, experience, and tools to help you buy or sell your property smoothly and promptly. Contact us today!