Congratulations, you’ve decided to buy a home. Or maybe you’re ready to sell. In any case, it’s time to choose a real estate agent to help you navigate what can be a difficult – and often frustrating – process. So, if you’re currently renting an apartment in San Francisco and want to purchase a property, you’ll want to find the perfect home at the right price.
If you’re listing your house for sale, you’re probably looking for top price. Wherever you’re buying or selling a house, you’ll want someone to advocate on your behalf throughout the process, so choosing a real estate agent at whim may not result in the greatest result.
STEPS TO FOLLOW BEFORE HIRING A REAL ESTATE AGENT
Things To Keep In Mind About Before Hiring A Real Estate Agent
Before you call the nearest agent via a Google search, learn how to identify a top real estate agent before signing a contract. Here are some things to think about before you start.
Recognize the differences between real estate designations: Although there are numerous real estate agents on the market, not all of them have the same credentials; titles such as agent, broker, and Realtor® acknowledge distinct qualifications and levels of specialized training.
Interview at least three real estate agents before deciding on one to deal with to learn about their communication style and personality. You want to feel trust and rapport with them, as well as that they recognize and represent your best interests.
Be pre-approved: Before you begin, it’s also a good idea to get pre-approved for a house loan. Alternatively, use a mortgage calculator to fully understand the price range you can afford and the monthly mortgage payment you’re happy with. This will be a wonderful starting point for any prospective real estate agent you work with while hunting for your future home.
Put together a list of your home goals: If you’re seeking to purchase a new home, make a list of your priorities, such as where you want to live, the types of house styles you want to see, and the house features you want to see before speaking with a real estate agent. Create a list of priorities if you want to sell your current home. This will help you get your house in order before you put it on the market.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT?
What are the different real estate designations and what do they mean to you?
Anyone who has finished the courses necessary by your state and passed the real estate licensure exam is considered an agent. After then, licensed real estate agents join a real estate brokerage.
A real estate broker is a licensed agent with extra credentials that allows her to recruit and manage a team of agents as well as create a brokerage firm.
A Realtor® is a real estate agent or broker who has been certified by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
Agents, brokers, and Realtors® must meet continuing education requirements and frequently attend specialty real estate seminars to advance their careers. Among the typical designations are Accredited Buyer’s Representative® (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS). The National Association of Realtors® website has a complete list of specialized certifications and what they represent.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUYER’S AND A SELLER’S AGENT.
You might believe that if an agent shows you properties and appears to be working with you, they are. This is not always the case. This is, understandably – and sadly – a gray area. You must be aware of who an agent is legally bound to represent.
The primary job of a buyer’s agent is to help you through the home-buying process and to serve as a professional resource for any questions or issues you may have about the transaction or the property. They use their expertise and experience of the housing market to assist you locate the ideal property after taking the time to get to know you and learn about your preferences and needs in a house. A professional buyer’s agent goes above and beyond to show you all available houses, and you can trust them to look out for your best interests as you look for a home.
A seller’s agent markets the property on the seller’s behalf. Their goal is to negotiate a satisfactory deal for the seller at the greatest possible price. They can undoubtedly contact buyers they know who could be interested in the house. When they display a property, however, they do it on behalf of the seller, as stipulated in the normal written agreement between the seller and the agent.
Please know that real estate agents in both capacities put in a lot of effort for their customers. To preserve their license, they must follow all applicable rules, standards, and agreements, and your success in buying or selling a property helps them establish their reputation so that they may continue to assist individuals accomplish their housing goals in the future.
