Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Real Estate Agent

How to Evaluate a Real Estate Agent’s Qualifications

So, you’ve decided to either buy or sell a home in Orlando? First of all, congratulations! That’s a huge decision to make. The next decision you need to make will greatly influence the final outcome of this endeavor. And that decision is, of course, choosing a real estate agent to work with.

It is important that you interview any real estate agent you are considering working with, and these are the questions you should ask.

Have You Worked with Sellers Like Me Before?

The first thing you should ask a potential real estate agent is in regards to their previous history of clientele. Every seller’s circumstances are different and their goals are different. You want to make sure that your agent has experience working with sellers who have similar circumstances to yours.

For example, are you looking to buy or sell an investment property? Are you a first time home buyer? Whatever the case, make sure that your real estate agent has worked with clients with similar backgrounds in the past. This will ensure that they have the specific knowledge needed to help you navigate the process going forward.

What Is Their Negotiation Strategy Like?

A big part of buying and selling is negotiating. Negotiating between parties is essential to coming to terms that are mutually beneficial. And since your real estate agent will be relaying your concerns, wishes, and requirements to the other party, it is essential that you are working with an agent whose negotiating style aligns with yours.

It can be helpful to request examples of their past deals beforehand. Going over an agent’s past deals will give you insight into their negotiating style and will help you get an idea of their skills and capabilities.

What Is Their Communication Style?

Another key question to ask is what their communication strategy and style is. Your relationship with your real estate agent should feel natural. You should feel comfortable asking them questions and getting updates about your listing. And most importantly, you should be able to get in contact with them to a reasonable degree. Do they answer calls, texts, or emails, as promptly as possible? Or do they leave you hanging for days?

It is also not a bad idea to read online reviews that an agent has. Or better yet, if you have friends or family that has worked with this agent, ask them what their experience was working with them. Were they easy to communicate with and so on.

How Well Do They Know the Local Market?

And finally, it is important that you find out how well an agent knows the local market. When selling, an agent should be able to show you what similar homes in your area are selling for and should be able to present you a marketing strategy that illustrates how they plan to get your top dollar for your home. And when buying, the agent should be able to help you discover homes that meet your criteria and fit your lifestyle. They should know the school districts and should be able to highlight some of the entertainment options in the surrounding area.