Dig Deep into an Agent’s Sales History
Searching for the right real estate agent in the quest to find Miramar houses for sale is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Yes, there are so many, and each agent claims he’ll surpass the rest. Which ones separate the wheat from the chaff? Let’s delve into what you really need to scrutinize about agent sales history.
But wait – there’s more! Check out their list to sale-price ratio, which tells you if they price the homes right or over-promise and under-deliver. An agent who can sell homes for close to or above listing price knows what they are doing.
Now, get personal or, rather, personalized. Check into the returning customers they have or the referrals they get. When people keep coming back or referring them to friends and family, that says much about the services they render.
Speaking of which, service quality-online reviews are going to be your best friend here. Go on websites like Zillow or Realtor.com and read through the customer reviews-not just scan them. Look for patterns: Are there repeat complaints about a poor communication issue? Or heaven forbid, great reviews from a negotiation standpoint?
It is even possible to discern whether they have received any awards or other recognition from their peers, but these should be used judiciously because they also can be bought rather than functioning as an actual indicator of quality.
Ever heard of that phrase “trust, but verify”? Now, this fits absolutely correctly. Inquire directly from potential agents about challenging transactions that they’ve done in recent times — kinda like asking someone outright how they handled that crazy ex-roommate story.
Remember those horror stories of buyers who said they felt abandoned after ink had dried on their contracts? Well, to avoid being one of those buyers, check for feedback particularly around the closing process, because happy endings are what matter most.
Other things to explore: the local knowledge-your agent can be super knowledgeable about the neighborhood and is going to share things that other people may be blind to. Anything from school districts and developments coming in to which coffee shops are worth your investment.
Of course, then there’s the question of communicating style. It sounds very minor, but consider this: you’re in near-constant contact with this person sometimes for weeks and sometimes months. Does this person answer quickly? Is clear and concise with what the person is saying-or do you have to pull teeth to get some of the most basic information?
Arguably more important, though, is an agent’s network: a well-connected agent will have relationships with other real estate professionals-mortgage brokers, inspectors, and contractors-which will make your life so much easier when buying or selling.
Of course, let’s not forget about technology here-we’re living in a digital age! See if they’re utilizing some of the newer ways to sell properties: drones, virtual tours, social media campaigns, etc., etc.!
How to Check an Agent’s Track Record Before You Hire
The search for the best estate agent was just like finding the needle amongst the haystacks, but oh, don’t sweat it out, for we save the best for you with some hot tips and tricks to make things easier than pie.
First, testimonials are those small nuggets of gold scattered all over the internet. These small treasures offer insight into how active, effective, and successful an agent is and even delves into subtleties regarding their personality. Think of them as mini-reviews from people who have literally walked in your shoes.
Suppose you go out to dinner with friends, and someone brings up how to hire an agent. Your friend, Bob, leans over to say he’s just had the most positive experience with his agent, who was prompt, marvelously friendly, and really knew her stuff. That’s what one wants to hear! Testimonials work on a similar principle but can be more in-depth, covering a greater range of the service provided.
But where would you find these gold nuggets? You’d want to look at some online platforms where sharing is pretty uninhibited. You’ll look at sites like Zillow or Realtor.com; they’d have a section for agents, reviews, and ratings, and ditto for Facebook groups or whatever other local forum.
Now, let’s just delve a bit into those real reviews, since, after all, not everything that glitters is gold! Observe the pattern of satisfied and dissatisfied remarks. Be it several clients boasting of his quick dealing or even down to his communication throughout the process-that is a very good sign. On the flip side, when several people talk about skipped appointments or poor negotiation skills, that should raise a warning to stay away from them.
Ever heard “read between the lines”? Well, it applies here, too. Most of the time, people give sugar-coated comments just to be polite or not receive backlash whenever giving a public review. Find the hidden hints to dissatisfaction even in apparently positive remarks.
For example, when one hears, “The agent was great, yet he could improve on punctuality,” well-that’s one red flag waving in the breeze. It’s like your friend saying that her date was nice but didn’t laugh at any jokes-something’s wrong.
Of course, do not just depend on online reviews, but also ask friends or relatives who have recently bought or sold a property. Sometimes real-world experiences are more candid and can offer more detail than anonymous online versions, and you are able to ask questions immediately.
Another pro tip: do checkout the agent’s social media profiles. This will be one good way to know the agent’s business and personal persona. Engaging with clients, giving tips on real estate that will help, and celebration of successful deals-an agent like that would be attached to the job.
And with all your detective work, remember to check out some numbers. How many homes have they sold in the past year? What is their average selling price compared to their listing price? Charts like these show quite clearly how well the agent performs, without putting too fine a shine on it. Lastly, trust your gut feeling when meeting potential agents face-to-face (or over Zoom). Do they listen attentively? Answer your questions clearly without jargon overload? A good rapport can make all the difference during stressful times of buying or selling property.
