Planning to sell your home with the help of a real estate agent? With so many real estate agents to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to look. To help you narrow down your selection and choose the right agent, here are a few trustworthy signs to look out for.
They’re specialists in your location and type of property
Firstly, you need to choose an agent that knows your location and is comfortable selling your type of property. For example, if you’re selling a luxury home in Napa, you’ll want to find an agent that specializes in luxury properties in this area such as The Goodrich Group. While an agent that deals with regular homes in San Francisco may still be happy to take on your property, they may not have as much experience with luxury homes or the Napa area, which could lead to a slower sale or an inaccurate valuation.
They have positive online reviews
Online reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot are a good indicator as to how trusted a realtor is. Make sure that your chosen real estate agent has a few reviews and that these are mostly glowing reviews. Look out for positive words and phrases in these reviews like ‘helpful’, ‘professional’ and ‘good communication’. If there are negative reviews, check that these are not all recent or related to major issues.
They’re upfront about all fees
Some shifty real estate agents will not disclose certain fees until a later date such as charging extra marketing or photography fees or adding VAT on later. A good estate agent however will be upfront about all fees. Ask about the fees from the start and make sure they are within your budget. Different agents will charge different commission rates and may even give different valuations, so it’s worth comparing the rates of a few different agents to get the best deal when selling your home.
They’re easy to get in contact with
You should be able to easily get hold of the agent when you need them. If calls are regularly going unanswered or they’re responding to texts hours afterwards, consider working with another agent. Poor communication could lead to all kinds of problems ranging from delays with your mortgage to viewings taking place at inappropriate times, so prioritise communication skills when looking for an agent.
They seem genuinely interested in you and your property
Finally, the agent you choose should seem excited to work with you. You don’t want a realtor to reluctantly take on your property, as they likely won’t prioritise it leading to a slow sale or other issues. If you’ve got a low value property, consider looking for real estate agents that specialize in lower value properties. There may similarly be niche estate agents out there that focus on certain types of challenging properties like fixer-uppers or very remote properties. The specialists will be more willing to take on your property and will likely put more effort into selling it.