6 Things to Know about Finding a Real Estate Agent

Whether you're buying or selling a house, you've probably thought about do I find the right REALTOR® to help me? It is a common question whether it is your first home sale or your tenth. As you begin the process of selling your home or buying a house, there are a handful of things you need to consider in order to select the right real estate agent for your specific needs.

1.  A good place to start is to determine the agent's personality and communication style. We strongly recommended that you aim to find a real estate agent that you can "get along with." A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if this is someone you would trust with your wallet. Trust is essential in a real estate transaction, and if you don't trust your REALTOR®, then you should not hire them no matter how many awards or "million dollar " sales they have under their belt.

2.  While you may be uncomfortable discussing money, never forget that a real estate transaction boils down to dollars and cents. As such, you should discuss the agent's fees and commission rates to the extent that you, as a client, fully understand what your agent is doing for you to ensure the success of your real estate transaction. Another financial factor you absolutely must approach is the real estate agent's sales experience.  Always determine if they can help you buy the home you want for the price you are willing to pay, or if they can sell the home you have for the profit you desire.

3.  As part of the financial discussions, keep in mind that central to a successful real estate transaction is the REALTOR®'s knowledge of finance and the options that are available. This means knowing VA, FHA, and other loan programs inside and out. Their knowledge of the intricacies of a variety of loan options can make the difference between sealing the deal and having to walk away. A good REALTOR® should have the ability to help you navigate the lending process so that the deal goes through without unnecessary delays.

4.  It is also important that the real estate agent has the ability to clearly communicate information and anticipate the course of a real estate transaction. A top-notch REALTOR® will have the prowess to successfully navigate challenges and concerns before they turn into conflicts and missed deals. To that end, you should ascertain the REALTOR ® 's negotiation strategy and ask them for examples of the ways they can use adversity to your advantage.

5.  If you are selling your home, it is also a wise idea to ask about the agent's marketing strategy. You will want to find an agent that uses both active and passive marketing strategies to sell your home. An agent's flair for marketing and mastery of a wide variety of marketing tools and strategies is something you should keep a keen eye out for. Because no two properties, and no two neighborhoods are the same, you should find a real estate agent that is experienced in marketing the type of property you have to sell.

6.  Finally, get references and recommendations. It's one of the most important steps you can take as you determine how to choose a REALTOR®. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues who they use for their real estate transactions. You should ask them what their experience was with the agent, and whether the agent was able to deliver the results they were aiming for.

Find the "Wright" REALTOR® for You.

Searching for a REALTOR® in Fairborn?  Find the "Wright" real estate agent for you at  Wright-Patt Realty, Inc.   Our team of real estate professionals should be the first step you take when you are ready to buy or sell a home. Contact us to help help you navigate the real estate market in Beavercreek, Ohio and other communities surrounding Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.