Finding the right real estate agent is vital to the process of purchasing a home or investing in real estate. Finding a real estate agent or realtor that best fits your needs is very important. 

If you're starting your search for the perfect real estate agent, the steps below may help you find the best one for you and your needs.

Search for real estate agents online

Many realtors will have a website as well as a social media presence. In these locations, you will find out more about the real estate agent you are researching. A real estate agent’s website will also give you a good idea about the properties available in your area via a search engine, usually on the site’s main page. 

Don't be afraid to reach out to an agent. Many of them are used to working with buyers in various circumstances. In fact, some agents specialize in particular types of customers, such as first-time home buyers, investors, military personnel, veterans, and the 55-plus community. 

Get referrals

There's nothing better than a personal referral from a friend or family member you trust. More than one in five sellers find their agent because of a referral from a friend, relative, neighbor, or colleague. In particular, look for a person who bought a home under similar circumstances as you. For example, if you're a military member looking for your first home, try to find another military member who recently bought their first home to ask for recommendations.

Also, pay attention to your friends who have negative things to say about an agent. If an agent isn't well-liked, finding someone else is best.

Check out the local housing market in person

If you have the time, take a walk or drive around the neighborhood you're interested in buying in and look for real estate agents' names on for-sale signs. 

You can also visit an open house and observe how the agent interacts with potential buyers. Take the time to talk to the agent - don't just grab a business card and leave. Pay attention to the agent's personality and professionalism. Avoid working with an agent who seems dismissive of your intent to purchase a home or is too busy to talk with you. The right agent for you will be willing to work with you regardless of your circumstances.

Meet with several realtors

When hiring a real estate agent, it's important to talk to multiple agents to find the best fit. Just like you wouldn't hire the first person you interviewed for a job, you shouldn't settle on the first real estate agent you meet. By interviewing multiple agents, you'll get a much better idea of local market conditions. Over time, you may even realize that there are things you want in a real estate agent that you haven't considered before. Be sure to ask each of the three agents the same questions and compare their responses.

Ask the right questions

Of course, the next question that many potential buyers ask at this point is what type of questions they should ask. This list is an excellent place to start, but don't be afraid to ask about anything related to property. Good realtors have worked with all types of clients, and they won't be upset or offended by any real estate-related question.

• How long have you been working in real estate? This question will give you an idea of how seasoned the realtor is. Keep in mind that the “most” seasoned agent is not always the best. Go with your gut and whom you’re vibing with the most. 

• Specifically, how long have you worked in the local area? Local markets can vary a lot, and an agent who has just recently moved to the area might not be as familiar with your local market's intricacies as someone who has lived there for years.

• Do you usually work with buyers, sellers, or both? Some agents like to specialize, while others will work on both sides of the transaction. This can give an agent valuable insight into both sides of the process.

• How many active clients do you have at a time? Ideally, find someone who can give you the attention you need.

• Are you part of a team of realtors, or do you work independently?

• How will you handle my unique situation? Be upfront about issues with obtaining a mortgage, your family's need for a barn for your alpaca, or anything else that makes your situation special. The right realtor won't see these things as a huge problem.

Match your communication preferences

While most agents will be willing to communicate with you via phone calls, text, e-mail, or texts, go ahead and ask which method they prefer. Ideally, your preferred methods and theirs will line up. 

The right real estate agent is going to be a person whom you can trust. While there are many things that you should make sure your agent has, such as proper licensing, if you don't have any trust in this person, it will be impossible for them to do their job. Good agents have a reputation for always working for their clients. If you feel an agent you're considering will keep their own interests, or the interests of the seller, above yours, find another agent.

If you need help navigating the process of buying a home, connect with me today. We look forward to helping our clients find the right home, not the right mortgage!