How to Find an Experienced Real Estate Agent

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it is important to have a reliable team of real estate professionals by your side to assist you throughout the process. And the key member of your homebuying (or selling) dream team will be your real estate agent.

Real estate agents are a huge part of the buying and selling process. They can offer you a plethora of valuable insight while acting in your best interest to ensure you are getting the most out of your time, money, and effort. But how exactly do you go about finding an experienced agent? In this article, you will learn what type of real estate agent you need and how to go about finding the right one for your homebuying or selling journey.

Buyer’s agent versus Seller’s agent

Before you begin your search for a real estate agent, it is important to understand what kind of agent you will need to hire. When it comes to these real estate professionals, there are two types of agents: Buyer’s agents (also referred to as selling agents) and Seller’s agents (or listing agents). Here is exactly what their roles are in the homebuying process:

• Buyer’s agents: The role of a buyer’s agent is to assist homebuyers in finding the perfect home. Once you hire one of these agents, they are tasked with researching property listings and providing you with a list of potential homes that align with your homebuying checklist. A good buyer’s agent will not waste your time with homes that are out of your budget and will be invested in learning what you desire in a new home so they can better curate your house-hunting endeavors. Once you are ready to put in an offer, they will be able to provide insight on how to make it as attractive as possible and negotiate with the seller with your best interests in mind. 

• Seller’s agents: When it comes to selling a home, you will want to have a reliable seller’s agent by your side. Listing agents are tasked with helping sellers advertise their properties on the market and bring in potential homebuyers. A good seller’s agent will have insight into the local market and comparable properties (or comps) in order to ensure your listing is priced competitively, but fairly. They will also represent your interests throughout negotiations with buyers and work to make sure that your home sells for the best price possible.

If you are buying and selling a home at the same time, you do not have to find two different real estate agents. In most cases, a good agent will have experience as both a buyer’s and seller’s agent. This means you can hire one real estate agent to represent you throughout both processes, whether they are happening concurrently or one after another.

How to find a real estate agent

Finding the right agent for your real estate transaction needs does not happen overnight. It is important to thoroughly research and interview a few real estate agents rather than hiring the first one you come across; that way, you can be confident you have someone you trust by your side.

Remember, whether you are buying or selling a home, knowing how to pick a real estate agent who will be involved throughout the entire process right up to closing day is crucial. That is why it is best to work with one who you get along with and has the experience to be your guide through any potential road bumps or unexpected situations.

There are a few different ways that you can go about finding a real estate agent, including:

1. Asking your lender for assistance. By the time you are hiring a real estate agent, it is likely that you have already chosen a mortgage lender for your home loan needs. Along with providing the funding for your home purchase, some can also be a great resource for your real estate agent search. These mortgage lenders may be able to give you access to nationwide networks of agents, even offering borrowers deals and savings opportunities if you choose to work with someone they recommend.

Not only will these agents have prior experience working directly with your lender, but it is likely your lender can speed up your search by narrowing down the list of potential agents to those who have handled cases similar to yours. For example, if you are a buyer using a Veterans Affairs (VA) loan for your home purchase, it will be important to work with a real estate agent who specializes in VA real estate transactions due to the property requirements. 

2. Researching local agents who have experience in your area. It is important to hire an agent who is well-versed in your local real estate market. Using the internet, you can find local real estate agents and find reviews from other buyers or sellers. You may also want to consider asking friends and family for their recommendations if they have worked with agents in the past for their own property transactions.

How do you know if you have a good real estate agent?

As soon as you have your pre-approval letter from your lender and a timeline mapped out for your buying or selling process, it is time to hire a real estate agent. You want someone who is experienced and proactive with their suggestions and feedback. They should also be able to adapt if your needs or wants change. As you begin to interview potential agents, here are some questions you could ask them directly:

• How long have you been a real estate agent, and what did you do prior?

• How many active clients are you currently working with?

• Do you primarily work with buyers or sellers?

• How familiar are you with the area(s) in which I am looking to find a home?

• Tell me about how you have been able to work with a buyer to save them money?

• What is your specialty?

• Can you provide me with references?

Choosing a lender who already has connections to real estate agents can go a long way in curbing your stress and hasten your search for the right agent. Be sure to ask your lender for their real estate agent recommendations before you get started on your own. That way, you can put all of your focus into securing the home of your dreams.