-Drew Grossklaus – Sales Director / BIC
How do you choose a real estate agent? If you step back for a moment and think of the levity of buying a home, you will instantly feel the right choice is monumental. This will be the largest purchase of your life. You can even disregard the financial magnitude and consider how it will change the way you and your family live. That being said, many people don’t consider the best way to choose an agent. Some may conduct online research, see a name, and select that agent. Others receive a promotional piece touting what a certain agent has accomplished and without confirming the facts, choose that agent. Many people will use a friend or a recommendation but still not question whether the agent is best for their needs.
Given that everyone would acknowledge buying a home has enormous importance on their life, it would stand to reason they would believe it would be worth time and process to choose the right agent to represent you. Yet so few people take that time. As in many circumstances when you are looking for someone to help you with something you know little to nothing about an interview is a great place to start.
In the process of real estate, you usually begin by talking with an agent about a property whether it be one you are selling or one you think you may want to buy. I believe the best course of action would be to ask about the agent first. Here are some initial talking points that I suggest:
- How long have you been in real estate?
- Do you work full time or part time?
- Do you specialize or have experience in a certain area?
All of these questions can help determine if this is someone you want to work closely with over the course of months or even years. Ask questions that will give you a sense of the knowledge an agent possesses in order to have a successful transaction. Also take into account that if you have many questions, they may not necessarily have all the answers. However, if that person is honest saying they don’t know but will find you the answer, they will be a truly powerful asset to you the real estate process. Again, it is important to note that your questions should focus first on the agent and their agency, not on the home you are thinking about buying/selling.
Of course interviews are never foolproof in finding the right person. Just like with any service person you hire, know that you can change your mind. While all agencies have paperwork to protect from someone trying to take advantage of real estate services without compensation, any agency should be willing to release you if you are unhappy.
William Means encourages potential clients to talk to our agents, not just about homes, but about whom they are as person and an agent. Real estate transactions are not an easy process, but if you are working with someone you understand and trust, it will make the process as gratifying as possible for all parties.
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