Finding the Best Fit
How to choose the best real estate agent or attorney for your needs…
Whether buying or selling a property, finding the right agent, or attorney, can make all the difference. Contracts can be complex and confusing, and negotiating the best deal isn’t as easy as it seems. When it comes to finding the best person for your real estate needs, you want to consider a few steps in making your decision, all in the service of working with the most experienced, trustworthy, and results driven attorney or agent you can!
Assess Your Needs
Understand your needs and preferences for a real estate agent BEFORE you even pick up the phone or send an email. For example, do you want someone who specializes in a particular neighborhood or property type? Are you looking for a “forever home” or an investment property? Are you relocating or staying local to your current area?
Do Your Research
Take time to review the real estate agents in your area using online directories, signs you see about town (or in the area in which you are looking to buy or sell your property), and even recommendations from family and friends. Once you have a list of agents you may be interested in, do MORE research to find agents who have experience in your market, specialize in the type of property you’re buying or selling (for example, residential, commercial, or luxury properties), and have a strong, positive reputation and highly rated reviews.
Interview Multiple Agents
You don’t have to work with the first agent you find. Feel empowered to interview several agents that potentially meet your needs. You can ask questions related to their working style, experience, and their personality! A few sample questions to ask include: “How long have you been working in real estate?” and “What is your experience working with this particular type of real estate deal?” You can also ask, “What is your communication style and how often can I expect updates?”
Look Beyond Credentials
As you ask questions and get to know a potential real estate agent or attorney, understand that expertise and credentials matter, but so do personality and compatibility. Check in with yourself and your expectations for working together as you get to know the agent. Do they seem trustworthy? Are they responsive? Do you think they are capable of negotiating the best deal for you with professionalism and assertiveness?
Look for Results-Driven Success
Results matter. Before deciding on a real estate agent or attorney, consider the their track record. How many transactions have they closed in the past year? Do they mostly work with sellers or buyers, and why? What types of homes have they sold? Do they specialize in selling properties in your budget range? The agent’s answers to these questions–or reluctance to answer with data and examples–can tell you a lot about the agent’s success and reputation.
Ask About Their Area-Based Market Knowledge
Real Estate can often be highly localized, so working with an agent who is familiar with your local or destination market will be able to provide valuable insights about pricing trends, neighborhood dynamics, and future growth. If you're buying, they can help you spot a good investment; if you're selling, they can advise you on the best pricing strategies. The agent may even also provide tips on hidden gems in the area and upcoming developments that may not be on your radar.
Discuss Fees and Commissions
Understanding how your agent gets paid, if there are costs associated with marketing, staging, or administration, and what is included in the service agreement between you and the agent is imperative. Have the conversation before signing any agreements to be clear and confident about what is expected.
Trust Your Gut
Follow your intuition. As you research, interview, and compare agents, trust your impressions and gut feelings about the agent and the process. If something doesn’t seem right or specifics are unclear or glossed over during your discussions with the agent, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns or take your business elsewhere.
Industry Changes
In response to a lawsuit concerning commission rates and payment, the National Association of Realtors made an industry-wide change to commission fees that went into effect November 2024. Want to k now how this affects YOU?
Reach out TODAY for more information and learn about how an attorney can help you navigate Real Estate negotiation toward a successful outcome for YOU!
Work with an Attorney
Think the only way to negotiate and navigate the buying or selling of real estate is to work with an agent?
Think again.
Adella is an experienced attorney with a focus on real estate, estate planning, and business. A real estate investor for over ten years, she brings an astute and focused eye to real estate negotiation, contract review, and more.