Choosing your agent: 4 things to watch out for?

Posted on 05 DEC

Choosing your agent: 4 things to watch out for?

Buying and selling homes is one of the most stressful and complicated things that a person can go through; which means that choosing the right real estate agent is essential. The right real estate agent can move your house more quickly and even more importantly, get you a better price. Here are some red flags and signs that you may need to ditch the current agent you have and find one cut from a better cloth.

1. Lack of Confidence

When looking to hire an agent, you should have a predetermined list of interview questions in hand. You will want to know for certain that the individual you hire is a top performer with a proven track record that can guarantee you will get what you want from the selling process. If they start looking nervous or uncertain of how to answer any of the questions you have, you should be suspicious of their credibility.

2. Negotiation Skills

A good way to test an agent’s ability to negotiate is to demand a lower commission rate from them right off the bat. If they give in without too much of a fight, there is a pretty solid chance that they will do the same when negotiating prices with potential buyers. You want someone fiercely committed to getting you the best price, after all, it is you who is paying them.

3. Poor Communication Skills

Don’t forget that, your real estate agent is working for you. It means that they have an obligation to keep you in the loop throughout the selling process. Does that mean that they have to tell you about each tedious and monotonous step? No, but it does mean that you should be kept in frequent contact as to any progress made. A clear lack of communication between you and your agent is indicative of inexperience, incompetence, or even worse, a lack of care. Should you be alerted to the feedback provided from attendees of your most recent open house? Absolutely! Any agent worth their salt will know what you need to know during the process.

4. Failure to Utilise Technology

The technological era offers several resources that can be utilised to your benefit. If an agent lacks social media presence, consider it a glaring red flag. An experienced agent will not only have a strong social media presence but will know how to use it to your advantage.