Working with a real estate agent makes the property selling or buying process super-seamless.  Thanks to years of experience, an agent not only helps you navigate the murky waters of real estate but also enables you to land the perfect buyer or your dream home. However, today, anyone can wake up, set up shop, and pose as an agent. This makes selecting a qualified and experienced agent from the lousy lot a daunting task, especially if you’re a first time seller or buyer. We understand your pain — that’s why we prepared a detailed guide to help you choose the best real estate agent.

The Type of Agent You Need

Before you start your search, keep in mind there are three types of real estate agents. Those who mainly work with sellers, commonly known as listing agents, those who represent buyers, and those who do both. Deciding the type of agent you need is easy since you need one who aligns with your objectives. For instance, if you’re buying, then you should shortlist buying agents, and if you’re selling, then your search should start with listing agents.

The Experience

Once you’ve determined the type of agent who fits your situation best, the next most crucial factor to consider is their experience. This is essential because you want to work with an agent who knows the ins and outs of real estate. You want an agent who has what it takes to help you get the best price on your home if you’re trying to sell during a buyer’s market. Therefore, ensure you consider how long that agent you’re thinking of hiring has been in the market. Ask about the number of clients they’ve worked within the past, how long it takes them to find clients, and close on a sale. To sum it up, opt for an agent with a proven track record. But other than experience, ensure you consider their accreditation. In this case, you want to work with an agent who not only has a license but is also a verified member of the National Association of Realtors.

Reputation

The agent you are thinking of hiring might be highly experienced, but they may have a negative reputation. This may be because they are challenging to work with and make the home buying or selling experience stressful for their clients. On that note, make sure you do due diligence to find out about their reputation. Ask them for referrals and check out testimonials so you can ask previous clients about their experience working with the agent.

Remember, completing a real estate transaction is more about the connection between you and your agent. If they’re difficult to work with, then chances are you’ll drop them and have to start from scratch again, or you’ll want to speed up the process and end up making a wrong decision. Also, if an agent has a good reputation, it means they often prioritize and have the best interest for their clients at heart.

Buying or selling a home is not an ordinary transaction. It’s one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. Therefore, it’s paramount that you find a real estate agent who is both experienced and one whose personality will sync with your objectives.