When choosing a real estate agent, it’s important to consider factors like experience, knowledge of the local market, marketing plan and superior negotiation skills, and whether their communication style aligns with the client’s preferences. A good agent should not only have a solid track record (40 years and 1200 sold) but also understand the client’s specific needs and be able to provide guidance throughout the buying or selling process.
Do, Don’t, Caution and Yes, Yes, Yes
Do:
Personal Referrals: Often, the best recommendations come from family, friends, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with a particular agent. This approach provides a trusted and firsthand account of an agent’s performance and reliability.
Don’t
Online Real Estate Platforms: Yes, they feature Real Estate profiles of real estate agents, including their listings, transaction histories, and client reviews. Where they fall short letting you know that agent/ brokers hands will be tied to a 25% to 35% and maybe more in some cases! These power portals were by buyers and sellers willing to use that network.
Do:
Local Real Estate Offices: Visiting a local real estate office can provide clients with a chance to meet agents face-to-face and discuss their needs. Local agents often have in-depth knowledge of the area, which can be invaluable. I love this as you’re able to get a feel if that person is in it for you or the money. It’s true after 40 I have seen many come and go but those who have a passion for real estate remain.
Caution:
Agent Referral Websites: Websites that specialize in connecting clients with real estate agents can be a useful resource. These platforms typically match clients with agents based on specific needs, such as location, property type, and price range. The biggest problem I have with many of these is they call it speed to lead. They know the number that a percentage of people who talk with an agent first probably will end up work with them, however was that the best selection for a transaction, you decide.
Do:
Open Houses: Attending open houses can provide an opportunity to observe real estate agents in action and interact with them in a low-pressure setting. This can give insights into their professionalism and approach to selling. I like this as it give you an interesting way to review listing agents if in your local market and you know they are willing to put in extra effort. It’s not often people buy a home from an open house and today it could also invite more liability to the seller.
Do:
Social Media and Online Reviews: Checking an agent’s social media profiles and reading online reviews can provide insights into their market presence and client satisfaction levels. Look for agents who are active, engaging, and positively reviewed. The reality is some good agents are not active at asking or participation on social media making them not appear as strong as they because they are great at connecting homes for buyers but not so much great at social media.
Do:
Real Estate Associations: Local or national real estate associations can provide lists of qualified agents. These agents are typically bound by a code of ethics and standards of practice. They can assist and give you brokerages with or close to the location you want to purchase so no more need having to use a Mega portal or large often sneaky referral site.
Yes, Yes, Yes,
Interview Multiple Agents: Before deciding, it’s advisable to interview several agents. Clients should ask about their experience, marketing strategies, communication style, and any specialties they might have. This also gives a sense of their personality and whether it’s a good fit. This is another reason why I like meetings in person vs Zoom; however, I can do meetings on zoom if you’re looking to relocate to the Central Coast.
Let’s schedule a meeting!
Jo Ann Outland Owner-Broker
Outland and Associates Real Estate
2665 Shell Beach Road, Suite J, Pismo Beach Ca 93449
[email protected]
805-481-3939 Office
805-441-5574 Mobile
DRE# 00646902