Buying or selling your home is a big deal, and if you are looking for help with either, you should not settle when it comes to your real estate agent. It is important to find the right real estate agent to help you maneuver through what can be a complicated and stressful process. The right real estate agent is for you could depend on many things. There are, however, a few signs that you can look out for to know when you have got the wrong real estate agent.
If you have a hard time reaching the agent or getting them to contact you, chances are they are the wrong real estate agent. Good communication between you and the professional who represents you is a vital part of a successful house hunt, and can make the process a lot less stressful. Your real estate agent should devote a significant amount of time speaking with you and getting to know your needs, especially in the beginning of the process, and continue to keep close contact to answer concerns, provide assistance, and adapt to changes in your needs or the market. If they take days to return phone calls and never seem to be around to answer your questions, you need a new real estate agent.
If they just do not listen to you when you do reach them, you need a new real estate agent. The sale or purchase of your home is something very personal. You should not have to be pushed into something the real estate agent thinks meets your needs, struggle with limited choices, or lack positive, professional, and knowledgeable support. The right real estate agent will listen to what you want in your home and do what they can to make it happen for you.
Even if they have had their real estate license for years, if your real estate agent does not do their homework, you need another agent. The best real estate agents know more than what is on the listing sheet; they know their market. While experience is beneficial, nothing can replace the value of effort. The best real estate agents are the ones that do their homework, find out important information, discover the answers to your asked and unasked questions, and put all of that energy and knowledge to work for you.
Some people just make a bad impression, and if you feel that your current real estate agent is unprofessional, it is certain that others will also. If they make you uncomfortable or you feel like they are not trustworthy, then there is no reason to have them representing you. Real estate is a service industry: agents have to be able to work not only with you, but with other people on your behalf. If an agent is seen as rude, pushy, or difficult to work with, their bad reputation can negatively affect your chances getting your dream home or selling your old one.
If you do not like your real estate agent or are unsatisfied with the service or experience, you need to find a new agent. Be aware of any stipulations in the hiring contract before you switch agents and be sure to have the contract appropriately cancelled to avoid possible problems from the bad agent. You can speak to a senior partner in the same agency for better representation and to have your issues and concerns addressed. If the agency does not address your needs, interview competing agents to find a suitable replacement. You don’t have to deal with a bad real estate agent. If they aren’t working for you, don’t work with them; get an agent who will provide the service and assistance you need to buy or sell your home.
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