Selecting the right real estate agent can make a huge difference when buying or selling a home, but how do you know you have chosen the best? Here are some tips – how to choose a great local real estate agent in Roseburg OR.
Check Their Reputation
Start by gathering information about agents in your area. From there, try to narrow down the list. Most of my business is through referrals, so asking the people you know and trust if they have a real estate agent they would recommend is a good start. You’ll want to find a broker with a strong online presence, plenty of positive reviews, and someone whose great reputation truly precedes them. As Freddie Mac explains:
“. . . you may want to look for a real estate agent who specializes in the type of home you’re searching for. For example, if you are looking for an energy-efficient home, look for an agent who has experience with finding and negotiating offers for those homes. If you are looking for new construction, you’ll want to find an agent who has experience with new construction and isn’t affiliated with the builder . . .”
Look for Local Market Expertise
A great local real estate agent should have in-depth knowledge of what’s happening in real estate nationally and locally. That way they can clear up any misconceptions sparked by what you might be reading or hearing in the news and on social media. It’s interesting to see how your local area trends compare to national data. In addition, your local real estate professional would be familiar with the neighborhoods you’re interested in and community amenities. As a recent article from Business Insider says:
“Spend some time talking with prospective agents about the local real estate market and how it could impact your purchase or sale. You want to get an understanding of how knowledgeable they are about local market conditions. Whether they’re helping you sell or buy, their strategy for you should account for those conditions.”
Get a Feel for Their Communication Style and Availability
Before signing a Listing Contract of Buyer Representation Agreement, it’s important to get a feel for how he/she communicates. Honestly, great and effective communication is a key to success in any real estate transaction. Choose an agent who listens to your needs, answers your questions quickly, and keeps you informed throughout the process.
You also want to ask if the local real estate agent has enough time to give you the attention you deserve… are they juggling too many clients, or can they realistically accept one more? That said, you don’t want a broker who doesn’t do much business…
Lack of experience and deals can lead to its own set of challenges, for sure! The best real estate broker will be readily available and responsive, have several transactions under their belt, and come with great client reviews. Make sense?
So, what’s the best way to get a feel for their communication style and preferences? Bankrate offers this advice:
“Interviews also give you a chance to find out the agent’s preferred method of communication and their availability. For example, if you’re most comfortable texting and expect to visit homes after work hours during the week, you’ll want an agent who’s happy to do the same.”
Trust Your Gut
Last, rely on your instincts. If you feel like you do or don’t click with one of the real estate brokers you’re interviewing, that matters. Choose an agent you feel at ease with and who inspires confidence. Buying and selling real estate is a journey and the right agent should be someone you trust to guide you through one of the most significant transactions of your life. As Business Insider says:
“As long as you’ve properly vetted the agents you’re considering and ensured they have the necessary expertise, it’s ok to go with your gut . . . Maybe you have a better rapport with one of the agents you’re considering, or you just feel like they’re easier to approach. You’re going to be working closely with this person, so it’s important to choose an agent you’re comfortable with.”
Bottom Line
By following these tips, you can pick a local real estate agent who’ll provide the support and expertise you need to help make the process as smooth as possible. If you’re looking to make a move in the Roseburg OR area, and you’re getting ready to interview brokers, it’d be an honor to apply for that job. Let’s connect so we can have a conversation and see if we’d be a good fit for working together.