What Should I Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Agent?

Whether you want to buy a home or sell one, choosing a good real estate agent is important. There may be many real estate agents marketing their services to you, but you should pick one that knows your specific location extremely well. Definitely consider all the agents in your area, but also make an informed decision because your choice could save you money.

A good real estate agent knows how to negotiate offers and will guide you to make or accept the right offer, depending on whether you're buying or selling, of course. When selling a home, a list price that is too high to start with could put off many buyers that would otherwise be interested in your home. Yet if the listing price is too low, you could lose money and waste your time as people may offer even lower prices you aren't prepared to accept. The price you offer or accept should mainly be based on market value. An experienced, informed real estate agent can provide you with an accurate analysis about what your home, or the home you're interest in, is worth.

It’s a good idea to interview several agents before deciding on the one to best represent your interests. Choose an agent that understands your area if you're selling and the areas you're considering moving to if you're buying. A good real estate agent will provide you with and understand the comparables in your area. Comparables are the records of the prices at which similar homes in the same area were sold. Knowledge of what properties similar to yours were sold at can give you an accurate idea of what your home is worth or what the home you're interested in buying is worth.

A good real estate agent also has relevant information about the schools, shops and healthcare options in the area. He or she also is familiar with how to advertise, arrange and monitor open houses. One great way to a find a real estate agent is to attend open houses yourself and meet the agents there.