Not all Laguna Beach real estate agents are made the same and choosing the right agent to work with is paramount when buying or selling a home. Making the right choice can significantly simplify the buying or selling process and maximize your chance of a successful outcome. The right agent can even turn what could be anxious anxious-ridden venture into one that’s exciting and delightful.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REAL ESTATE AGENT
Expertise
If you’re a buyer, your agent should be able to find properties that meet your requirements while staying within your budget. If you’re a seller, you will need an agent who can set a price for your property that brings in the maximum ROI yet still remains attractive to potential buyers. An agent should also know key area factors, such as which schools serve the area, neighborhood amenities, as well as what developments are being built that could positively or negatively affect your interests.
Credentials
When working with a real estate agent, make sure to check their credentials to verify that they are licensed and active. It’s also a good idea to ask about any specialized designations the agent holds, as some may have a particular focus of expertise. Whether they are a real estate agent, Realtor, or broker, the level of training they have can significantly influence how effective and successful they are at assisting you.
Personality
Your agent should be someone you feel comfortable with. When you’re going to be working together for months and communicating (sometimes on a day-to-day basis) you’ll need someone trustworthy and approachable. The home buying and selling process can be stressful, so an agent who is honest and supportive is a great resource to have.
HOW TO CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT
Get referrals from family and friends
Choosing an agent is a lot easier when you ask friends or family for recommendations. Their first-hand experience can give you valuable insights into the agent’s performance, communication, negotiation skills, and expertise. Otherwise, look online at agents’ testimonials or other online reviews.
Ask good questions
Don’t be afraid of asking to-the-point questions. If an agent is upset or annoyed by a direct question then they’re probably not going to be great when it comes to critical areas of their job such as negotiations.
You could ask:
- How many homes do you help buyers purchase every year?
- How many clients are you currently working with?
- Will I be working with you individually or as part of a team?
- Do you have any references I could contact?
Study the local housing market
When buying or selling, it’s a good idea to spend some time researching the local housing market. Look at listings in the neighborhood and see how much other houses are selling for. Having a grasp of the local real estate market will help you direct your real estate agent to what you’re looking for and streamline the process.
Tony Florez, is a premiere Laguna Beach, CA real estate agent. An expert in Laguna Beach, CA homes for sale, Tony can help make the homebuying or selling process seamless and stress-free. Call Tony at 949.378.7276 or send an email here to get started.