How Do I Choose the Best Real Estate Agent? 

Did you know houses sold with the help of a real estate agent sell for more money?

Hiring a real estate agent when you’re selling or buying a house is a no-brainer, really. These professionals take the vast majority of the tasks involved in a real estate transaction out of your hands. In fact, your only task could be signing the paperwork during closing.

However, not every other real estate agent is going to help you reap these benefits. You need the best real estate agent on your side. But how do you find this kind of agent?

Easy! Keep reading and we’ll fill you in on the details.

Give Preference to Local Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents have state-specific licenses, so any real estate agent who’s licensed to practice in your state can serve you. But this doesn’t mean you hire any agent as long as they’re allowed to practice in your state.

To get the best service, it’s advisable to focus on finding a local real estate agent. The agent should be dedicated to serving people in your county or town. This is because local agents are well-versed with not only the local real estate market but also have a good understanding of the relevant local laws and regulations.

Ask them about local home price predictions and they won’t hesitate to give you a comprehensive analysis.

A Real Estate Agent Who’s Also a Realtor

A realtor is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. This is the top professional organization for real estate agents in the U.S. Members have access to professional development resources and adhere to the standards of practices set by NAR.

It’s not mandatory for a real estate agent to have NAR membership (be a realtor). However, any real estate agent who takes the profession seriously strives to be a realtor.

As such, when you’re looking to hire the best real estate agent, consider whether they also have the realtor designation. If they do, that’s a plus. If they don’t, you might want to keep looking.

Suitability to Your Needs

What are your real estate needs?

Your needs go beyond selling or buying a home. What kind of house do you want to buy, for example? Buying a single-family detached home can be different from purchasing a city condo or a sea-front luxury home.

While any licensed real estate agent has the competence to complete any type of real estate transaction, it’s not uncommon for them to specialize in specific niches. For instance, there are real estate agents who only deal in luxury properties.

Therefore, it’s essential to consider a real estate agent’s suitability to your needs. If you’re buying a luxury home, try to find an agent whose focus is selling luxury homes.

Find the Best Real Estate Agent

Getting professional help when you’re in the real estate market is a savvy move. However, real estate agents aren’t created equal. With this guide, you now know how to find the best real estate agent.

Stay tuned to our blog for more real estate tips and insights.