If you are buying or selling a property, it is important to work with an agent who will represent your interests. When choosing an agent, it is important to ask yourself some questions. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine who will be best for you.
Have you heard of it? Does it have a speciality? If so, which one? Is he or she recommended by former clients? Will they be able to solve my problem? Do they offer additional services? Is there anything they don't specialise in but would do if I asked?
These questions may not be enough. The best thing to do is to contact him directly. Talk to them and see how they behave and whether they feel good about it. You want someone who is really there for you, not just another file number. Time to listen, as well as personal advice. This is your most important asset. Whether it is financial or emotional. So make sure you choose wisely!
What are you looking for?
The first question you should ask yourself is: "What are you looking for? A question that can be seen in different ways. We look for different things depending on our needs and problems. Some people are looking for a quick sale, others don't want to go through a sale under stress.
Look for an agent who will meet your needs. More than 80% of sellers don't ask the right questions at the outset, and hire agents only because the agents have approached them. Having an answer to these 3 questions could already give you a first direction.
- Is it flexible?
This is an important question because it will depend on the size of the agency and especially the number of properties the agent has at the moment. You might think that if an agent has a lot of properties for sale, that's good. You might also think that an agent who has too many properties will have less time for yours. Just like you, their day is not infinite. A flexible agent is one who can organise himself so that your property is always available for visits. This will enable you to unlock offers more quickly.
- Will he follow me?
Your chosen agent may take the mandate, start working on it but not report back. Staying in the dark is not an option. You need to be informed regularly about how the sale of your property is going. Take the time to ask questions of the agent, listen to what he or she has to say and see if it is consistent.
- Does it meet my expectations?
You get a first idea of the agent before you even look for him/her. Stay with this idea because the first one is often the right one. You will have needs. You don't choose a real estate broker so that he or she won't meet your needs. Don't hesitate to call him or her before the meeting to discuss your needs. You will already have a first impression of the person. Your main expectations are : To sell your property, at the right price and in the time you have given yourself. If the agent cannot meet this expectation, do not waste time. Neither he nor you need that.
The interview with the estate agent
There are many challenges in selling a property. You need to make sure you have the right agent on your side to help you through the process. But how do you know who is right for you?
You will need to prepare for your interview.
Yes, an interview with a real estate agent takes time. You are going to hire someone to help you sell your property. Save time by asking the right questions from the start. You should ask questions during your meeting to see if they meet your expectations.
You will need to meet with 2 to 3 agents before making your choice. Meeting only one agent will not help you as you will not have a comparison. Meeting with more than 4 agents will not help you make a better choice, but will confuse you.
You want someone who will take the time to listen to you and give you honest advice. This is an important sale - make sure you choose wisely!
The importance of listening
When looking to work with an estate agent, it is important to find someone who will listen to your needs and desires. The best agents have a variety of skills and can handle something that seems to be outside their speciality - so look for someone who is able to listen to what you need. You want someone who will take the time to listen to you, give you personal advice and help you through the process of buying or selling your property. Listening should be a two-way street. First, talk about your needs and then listen to the agent's speech. You will quickly see whether or not the agent has understood your requirements. This is an important phase of the interview. By exchanging ideas, you will know whether the agent agrees with you or not. You will then be able to pass a first stage of trust with the agent.
A perfect match.
The best match between you and an agent is one where both parties can bring value to the other. For example, if you are an investor looking for a new home to buy or rent, you would not want to work with an agent who specializes only in selling homes. Similarly, an agent who focuses solely on rentals should not represent someone who wants to sell their home. Both parties benefit from working together where knowledge overlaps and expertise is available in both areas. The best agents will know what package is best for each client and will be able to offer all the services needed to close a deal successfully.
Conclusion
As you can see. Choosing a good real estate agent is important. You must ask yourself the right questions to pre-qualify the agent who will best meet your needs. During the first meeting, you should see if this agent corresponds to your needs and requests. If they simply meet your search criteria.
Don't forget that there are many agents, so don't get lost in the real estate jungle. A good preparation is essential for a good sale.
