5 Ways to Verify Your Real Estate Agent is Experienced

 Regardless of whether you are a buyer or seller, using an experienced real estate agent is important to the success of your transaction. Yet, how do you know if the agent truly has the experience they claim? While there’s a case to be made that a new agent works harder, and they have the assistance of their broker, if you want a seasoned agent for a more complicated transaction, there are a few ways to verify they meet your expectations. 

1. Check their License and Credentials – The first step is to check their license and any accreditations they claim. All these professional organizations keep membership records available to the public. Also, review any disciplinary records or complaints. 

2. Review their Track Record – Ask for references and call them. Ask about any challenges that occurred during the transaction and how the agent oversaw them. Ask for a printout of closed sales, to see if they are managing the kind of homes that pertain to you. 

3. Ask Good Questions – Ask about the market. Ask them to talk about the community, amenities, HOAs, property values, etc. A seasoned agent should know this and be able to inform you on any local subject. 

4. Assess their Communication Skills – During the interview process, determine if you are getting clear and concise information. Notice if they are attentive to your needs and communicate quickly. Remember, they want your business, and if there are issues upfront, it will not get better once you list with them.

5. Understand their Marketing Strategy – Ask for a detailed marketing strategy. Question anything that seems unclear and know why they are using the various tools to sell your home. 

Everyone starts sometime. There is no reason a brand-new agent isn’t the right choice for you, if you’re aware and understand the support they are receiving. But, if you think you’re hiring a seasoned professional, these are a few ways you can verify the information and ensure you’re hiring the experience you expect.

Pricing Your Home for Sale When Everyone Else is Overpriced

 

The past few years have been exciting for home sellers. Not only were home prices historically high but buyers were well qualified and enjoying low interest rates. Today’s housing market is dramatically different in many areas of the country. If you are considering selling your home, you may be wondering how to select the correct price when it seems all the sellers around you are still overpricing theirs. 

Working with your real estate agent, the first step is to look at recent sales, not just recent listings. You may find quickly that the homes are selling for quite a bit less than they are listed for. You also need to look at the trends. Are sales prices rising month-over-month or declining – and by how much? This can help you gauge if you should price higher than recent sales or lower. 

In areas with few recent comparable sales, such as markets with many custom homes, it may benefit you to get a professional appraisal. This will cost a few hundred dollars and will give you a full picture of the local market. Appraisers will consider the unique features of your home vs the recent sales, as well as the sales prices. This can offer great information if you have a beautiful view, a large lot, or a remodeled home. 

Finally, rely on the advice from an experienced agent. Don’t be tempted to join the pack if they are overpriced. Be reasonable in your expectations. This will allow you to sell quickly and for the best price possible in the current market.