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If you’re thinking of buying a home or selling your current one, choosing the right real estate agent can make a world of difference. While it’s easy to find many highly rated Realtors online, a great agent should meet a set of criteria. They don’t merely facilitate transactions; they serve as your trusted advocate, a local expert, a strategic project manager, and more. Here are five essential qualities to look for in a real estate agent.
Local Expertise
Your real estate agent should possess a deep understanding of the local market. Local Realtors can explain the nuances of neighborhoods, school districts, and market trends. Their insights can help you find a property that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Additionally, if you’re a first-time homebuyer, buying a new construction home and/or looking for a local lender, their connections and advice will help you make more informed decisions.
For sellers, a local agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis to properly price your home. This ensures your property attracts serious buyers quickly. From top-notch repair workers to great stagers to effective local marketing outlets, a well-connected agent in your area can be highly advantageous. Additionally, our local Windermere agents offer special programs such as the Windermere Bridge Loan, which enables you to buy before you sell. If you want to make needed repairs/updates that will give you a competitive edge in your local market, the Windermere Ready program can provide an upfront investment of up to $100,000.
Strong Communication Skills
Real estate transactions involve many tasks and professionals. So, having an excellent communicator on your team is essential. Look for an agent who is known for being a good listener and keeps clients informed throughout the process. You also want someone who answers questions promptly and effectively negotiates on your behalf. A local agent often has strong relationships in the community, including with local lenders, other Realtors, and inspectors. This can streamline the entire process and make communication more efficient.
Proven Track Record
An agent with an established reputation in your local area will have the credibility to back up their claims. Look at their sales portfolio and their client testimonials. While online reviews don’t tell the whole story, they can certainly give you a sense of whether an agent would be a good fit. When looking at their past transactions, reviews, and designations, you may want to scan for specific areas of expertise that would benefit you. For example, have they bought or sold waterfront properties? Do they have any certifications or specialties relating to retirees, investors, or military clients? A local agent’s familiarity with the market, different situations, and/or particular properties demonstrates how that agent’s proven track record could specifically benefit you.
Attention to Detail
Having an agent who pays close attention to the details can prevent costly mistakes. From touring homes to conducting inspections, a keen eye matters. It also impacts negotiations and contracts. A detail-oriented agent is an incredible asset. Your knowledgeable guide should also be able to explain regional regulations and potential issues, showing their mastery of those particulars. Also, they are there to help you manage all of the details involved in a transaction. Their meticulousness should help you achieve the best possible outcome.
A Dedicated Real Estate Agent
Homes on the market can pop up or vanish quickly. You need a real estate agent who is committed to your goals as a homebuyer or seller. While they’ll probably have other clients to juggle, you want someone who is ready to assist you and can make your needs a top priority. Local agents often have more availability because they aren’t traveling long distances to tour homes or to help you prepare your own for the market. They also tend to be more available to meet and handle last-minute issues or inquiries.
Windermere’s slogan is “All in, for you”, and our agents exemplify that. Whether you choose a Windermere agent or not, we hope you’ll look for an agent who is devoted to your real estate goals and builds strong relationships with clients that often last long after closings. The best agents enjoy serving their clients, collaborating, problem-solving, and supporting them every step of the way.
