How to Find a Real Estate Agent

Once you have decided to buy or sell your home, it is time to find a real estate agent. This guide below will show you how to find a real estate agent that best suits your needs.

Before hiring a real estate agent, knowing the basics of real estate transactions and how the market works is critical. Whether you are buying or selling a home, having a general understanding of the process will allow you to select an agent who can successfully manage your real estate transaction.

You will often hear the terms real estate agent and broker used interchangeably. Both are licensed to assist you with buying or selling your home. However, an additional certification is required in some states to become a real estate broker.

 

A real estate agent works directly with buyers, from searching for a home to closing on one. They can help you with the loan pre-approval process, budget, determine the best neighborhoods for your needs, identify luxury communities, submit offers, and negotiate on your behalf.

While the terms realtor and real estate agent are often used to refer to the same individual, the primary difference between the two involves the certifications for each position. While each position functions similarly, different realtor and real estate agent industry standards exist. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors. The members must abide by higher standards than their real estate agent counterparts. Each year, a strict ethics code is updated. Members must abide by this code to keep and renew their membership. They have access to over 1,400 associations and boards for a broader professional reach.

 

Real estate agents are also professionally licensed and undergo classroom instruction. They must pass a final licensing exam for the state they want to work in and work with a real estate broker to acquire experience. However, they do not have access to the broader network of boards and associations available to realtors.

When purchasing a home, you need a realtor to help locate Greenville homes for sale. This person is the buyer’s agent. They will help you find and purchase a home, negotiate contracts, and manage the closing.

 

On the other hand, hiring a listing agent is crucial to successfully marketing and selling a home. Their integrated marketing strategies will attract the luxury buyers you need for your exclusive property. They will help determine your home’s listing price, help create a listing, market your home, negotiate with buyer’s agents, keep up with essential paperwork, and attend the closing.

Before selecting an agent, you should interview several agents to determine who is the best fit for your needs. They will be working with you on one of the most significant financial transactions in your lifetime, and finding the right person will give you peace of mind as well as save you time and money.

When interviewing agents about Greenville, SC, real estate, ask them to tell you about their experience level. You will want to work with an agent who has knowledge and experience in buying and selling real estate. If they specialize in luxury homes, you want to ensure they understand the nuances of working in an elevated market. High-end real estate transactions can be more complex and require more attention to detail, so you want to make sure they are up for the challenge.

You will want to determine if the agent you select has solid connections. For example, will your agent have recommendations if you need a professional home stager, photographer, or inspector? Do they have connections with other agents whose buyers might be interested in purchasing your home?

You should also ask if they have assistants who help them with various marketing strategies, multiple listing service data, closing paperwork, and more. This will give you an idea of how busy they are and if they have the required time to guide you through selling or buying a home. Each real estate transaction involves numerous moving parts, and it’s essential to have an agent who can allot time for you.

Real estate agents get paid a commission for the services they provide. Buyer and seller agents generally split the commission. For example, if the commission is six percent on a $1 million property, the agents will divvy the $60,000 commission, each receiving $30,000.

 

Typically, the seller pays the total commission for the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
When interviewing agents, ask about their commission, especially if you are selling your property. If you are purchasing a property, verify the seller pays the commission. You can always ask the agent to reduce their commission. However, they are under no obligation to do so.

 

Real estate agents earn their commission by providing a range of services. They assist you in pricing your home appropriately, marketing it through multiple listing services and social media, scheduling open houses, conducting virtual tours, and negotiating with potential buyers. As a buyer’s agent, realtors analyze the available homes on the market, help you place a realistic, appropriate offer, provide insight into the local market, and work with you to close on the home.

When talking with real estate agents during the hiring process, ask for a list of clients they have worked with and reach out to them. Former clients are the best way to determine if the agent you are considering best fits you and your needs. Ask them about their experience with the agent. Were they helpful? How accessible were they? How did they handle any unforeseen circumstances?

 

Are you looking to purchase Greenville, SC, real estate? Look no further than Stephanie Burger, an experienced real estate professional dedicated to helping buyers and sellers experience a seamless and successful experience in the market. She consistently exceeds client expectations and delivers results. Her expert negotiation skills, analysis of current market trends, and expansive professional network will ensure a successful real estate transaction.