How can you know what sort of person you’re dealing with when you hire a real estate agent? After all, you are entrusting them with the sale of your most valuable asset. Some people might talk the talk, but you need to know that they can walk the walk. Is it as simple as googling the agent’s name and receiving significant search returns and positive reviews? What should a seller look for in a real estate agent? What evidence of professionalism can you determine to give you the peace of mind to trust your agent? How can you know that the person you’ve hired will look after your interests? How can you be certain that they will do all possible to maximise the value of your precious property while selling it? We’ll look at 10 key indicators that you’ve found an excellent real estate agent that can do it all.

11/ Easy To Get Along With

You may engage the best real estate agent in the world, but you must click. You and your agent must get along on a personal level, or right away you will have a big problem. If you aren’t in harmony, the relationship won’t work. You will be communicating with your real estate agent a lot, so their manner will prove very important. You need to be able to ask questions and not be met with a dismissive attitude. They have to take your calls and always be available within reason. If they instruct their secretary to fob you off with an excuse whenever you call, this is bad. A good real estate agent is a people person and a communicator. You will recognise this type of character right away because they will put you at ease immediately. Better yet, you will like them as a person and enjoy their company.

10/ A Good Coordinator

A real estate agent does not operate alone; they collaborate with a variety of other specialists. They will partner with solicitors, conveyancers, contractors, property managers, and buyers. This network will be managed by the agent if the circumstances are so required. If they can act as a go-between for the other professionals when you need them to, that’s a positive indicator. Similarly, they will coordinate additional services you require, such as house stagers and tradies, and manage the campaign successfully. They should be able to ensure that appointments with external providers are kept and that issues are resolved as soon as possible. A smart real estate agent manages not just their clients’ expectations, but also their requirements. You can tell whether a real estate agent is good by how well they work with other people. If they can satisfy both you and the buyer then they are on the money.

9/ They Are Responsive

Nothing is more aggravating than not knowing when your real estate agent will return your call. Or when you have a serious subject to deal with and they promise to get it done quickly, but it takes forever. An agent who shrugs you off patronises you, or complains about being too busy is a significant turn-off.  You don’t want to think that you are less important than another client or that your property is less of a priority. It is frustrating if their phone constantly diverts to the message bank, or rings out. If they are apt to take holidays or long lunches, you are in trouble. A real estate agent has boundaries, but you shouldn’t be made to feel like you’ve crossed them at every turn. Every communication is responded to by a reputable real estate agent. They are friendly and do not leave you in the dark about anything.

8/ Experience Matters With A Real Estate Agent

When selling your home, you should feel certain that you are in skilled hands. You may sympathise with someone who is just getting started, but do you really want them to manage your project? Not only must they be confident with buyers, but you should detect from their manner they have been around the block before. You must ensure that your agent has handled their fair number of sales and has proven themselves as a skilled negotiator. An experienced real estate agent will guide you and deal with unexpected situations. They will have the wherewithal to tackle complicated matters as they arise. You need an experienced real estate agent, and you won’t wish to find out too late whether they are not. Confirm how long they have held their licence and how often they have renewed it. A good real estate agent will be up-to-date with everything and on the ball.

7/ Passionate About Houses & Architecture

Would you think less of a cook who isn’t zealous about food? Or maybe a musician who doesn’t listen to music? You would certainly find it odd. A good real estate agent will have a passion for houses and a keen interest in architecture. In another life, they may have been an architect, but circumstances led to them selling real estate. There is nothing wrong with that at all. Through conversation, you will know the level of understanding your real estate agent has of these topics. Their knowledge of the subject will impression. The level of their insight will bowl you over. Moreover, you will have the added confidence that their understanding of bricks and mortar and design will bring to the project. Anyone who is this up-to-date about their field has a distinct advantage over the competition. You will definitely feel as though you are in capable hands.

6/ Property Listings Are Well Presented

A majority of buyers will turn to the Internet to peruse the lists of houses and properties. They will be attracted by gleaming copy and perfectly staged photographs that reveal a house’s greatest assets. Confecting sharp copy and having an eye for great photos is one of the gifts of a perfect real estate agent. They will charm the buyer into a showing through their crisp website, with its gorgeous listing of homes. Their site will be a gallery of dream homes with clean, modern interiors and precisely staged rooms. You will be wooed by their descriptions and seduced by the tantalising images of homes you would love to make your own. However, don’t be put off by the occasional eyesore. Sometimes the home itself is not so hot, or the owners are uncooperative. This can deprive the agent of the opportunity to do their best.

5/ They Know The Area Like They Know Themselves

Knowing your neighbourhood will be beneficial in every aspect. A real estate agent that is familiar with the area will be aware of all the advantages of living there. They will be aware of the close vicinity of your home to cafés, restaurants, parks, and other attractions. They will have an edge over your competition. You may put them to the test not just on their local knowledge but also on their form. Cut straight to the chase and ask them how many properties they’ve sold in the neighbourhood. If they have closed deals on a number of houses then you have the perfect real estate agent for you. This will not only offer you confidence as a seller, but it will reassure the buyer that the agent is on top of things.

4/ They Have A Strong Network

A real estate agent with no contacts is as useless as a dead battery. A smart real estate agent, on the other hand, has access to a vast network of specialists. They will build relationships with contacts in the financing industry, construction, zoning, inspections, and the whole gamut of connected fields. This will prove invaluable to you if the need for any of these adjacent services should arise. What’s more, anything that needs doing can often be fast-tracked because the agent has cultivated ties with the others. That is a clear benefit. But there is more: not only do you gain the benefit of a well-connected agent, but also of the contacts and their contacts. A network works on a word-of-mouth basis, so the agent’s contacts can spread the word about your property. It’s not just what you know, but who you know, as the saying goes.

3/ An Eye For Home Improvement

Your property will inevitably require improvements to guarantee you get the maximum sale price from the buyer. Any shortcomings in the layout of your home are likely to leave you poorer at the end of negotiations. Improvements made before the sale show their benefits in the final return on your investment. A good agent will spot these things, whether it is a problem with your roof or an outdated kitchen design. A good real estate agent will be able to appraise your property and instinctively offer suggestions for any improvements that are needed. They will understand the rate of investment and advise you accordingly. They understand what a buyer will be willing to pay more for. After all, their job is to bring the buyer to your door. Not only that, but they will have the contacts to help you carry them out at the fairest price possible.

2/ Neither Pushy Nor A Quitter

You do not want an in-your-face salesperson who pushes you to do too many things or forces their opinions and ideas on you. Likewise, an agent who has a take-it-on-the-chin attitude if you experience a negative situation is another drag. A good real estate agent is your advocate and mentor. They will listen to you and encourage you where appropriate. Similarly, they will be frank with you if you fail to heed good advice. A good agent won’t make concessions or rush things just to secure a quick sale; they will look out for your interests. If a buyer comes with a lower than expected price, even after a slow period, they won’t simply advise you to take the offer. A good agent that knows your property can achieve a better sale price will stick with you for the long haul and hold out for the perfect buyer.

1/ Honesty Is The Best Policy

An untrustworthy real estate agent will expose themselves eventually, but by then, they will have wasted your time. Do not be fooled by agents who are full of wild, bold promises or who too easily agree with any suggestion. This is an indication that they are probably full of it. A dishonest agent will do anything to get somebody into the door. It is not unknown for them to lure a buyer in with a false advertisement and lead them to an entirely different property. A good real estate agent will not just tell you what you want to hear but will be honest with you. If your property needs improvement, they will tell you frankly. If your expectations of a house price based on your own investigations turn out to be unrealistic, they will say so. Honesty is important for both the seller and the buyer.

Conclusion

Truth all told, there are good and bad agents out there. Obviously, you want the best and don’t want your time and money wasted dealing with a dud. You demand professionalism and expect to be treated like any other client. We have provided a short checklist for things to look for in a good real estate agent. But if you are still unsure and need professional advice then contact Perfect Agent. We will introduce you to the best agents working in the market. Contact us today! Our service is free.