The best way to choose a real estate agent when you are searching for Erie homes for sale is to ask about their strategy and compare the agents online. You may also ask for referrals and inquire about their communication skills. It also helps to be specific with your questions and find out whether the agent can: provide multiple offers, handle negotiations, manage paperwork, give advice on mortgage rates and shop around for sellers.
The search for an experienced agent that fully understands the local market is not an easy one. However, you should not sign on with the first real estate agent that you cross paths with. Do not rush the search process and learn to be patient in order to be able to choose the agent that best fits your needs.
The Internet and the Pre-Existing Network of Support and Recommendations
Using the internet as your main tool is highly advisable. So is asking friends, family members, co-workers, acquaintances and other reliable people for recommendations. Having an already existing network of support may prove to be a very useful tool in the long run.
On the internet, you can use social media presence as a tool. Facebook and Instagram in particular can be very resourceful. They can help find agents that are currently listing Erie homes for sale and are active in the market. Online, you can check their recent transactions involving Erie homes for sale and make sure you are up to date with their achievements.
Face-to-Face Interviews
When you find a qualified agent and decide to interview them, it is best to do it face-to-face instead of over the phone. By looking into their eyes, you want to make sure that they are willing and able to help you navigate the emotional side of the stressful process. This way, you can also better check their level of expertise, guidance and knowledge while also clarifying your own expectations of them. After determining their level of professionalism, you can start negotiating a commission or fee. By the end of the interview, you can ask about their availability and flexibility in terms of working hours and even suggest a type of commitment in writing or an exclusivity agreement.
Throughout the interview, make sure that they address all of your concerns and questions and that you state your preferred method of communication (texting, calling or emailing). Last but not least, make sure they are a certified member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In relation to that, also ask about additional education and whether they work independently or are part of a larger staff. If they are part of a team, you can check their level of competency by asking their assistant or co-workers about their previous transactions. If you are still unsure, ask for solid proof of their success and ask them to provide you with an analysis of comparable sales on the market to find out if they are knowledgeable on the topic.
Conclusions
To sum up, in your conversations with a real estate agent, try to be specific about your: preferences, requirements, budget, time frame and length of the search itself. Do not forget to inquire about their responsiveness and form an emotional bond from the start. In your search for a house, do not expect instant gratification, Instead, try to rely on and trust in the credentials, specializations and certifications of the agent.