When purchasing a new home, having a skilled real estate agent is one of the best things buyers can do to help themselves. But how does someone go about finding the right agent for their needs? There are many factors a buyer should take into account when choosing a real estate agent to work with, so here are some useful aspects to keep in mind when looking for one.

Know the Difference Between Real Estate Agent and REALTOR®

Many people don’t realize that real estate agents and REALTORS® are not the same thing. While there are key similarities, such as both are licensed to sell real estate, a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® while normal real estate agents are not. The biggest difference between the two is that REALTORS® are obligated to follow a Code of Ethics, but this doesn’t mean normal real estate agents are without morality. It also doesn’t mean a REALTOR® is necessarily better than a real estate agent.

Read Reviews and Talk With Previous Clients

Sometimes the best way to find information is through word of mouth. After finding a potential agent to hire, look online to see what sort of reviews they’ve received. There are multiple websites that allow people to post reviews of agents they’ve worked with, so go ahead and do a few Google searches.

If the buyer wants to know specific information, it’s also possible for them to reach out to the people who left reviews and ask them more about their experience with the agent. 

Look for Award Winners

There’s a number of different awards real estate agents can receive, and none are given away lightly. Agents have to work hard to be recognized and win awards, so seeing that one has an award listed on their profile can be a way to pick a quality real estate agent to work with.

Find Out How Long They’ve Worked

When it comes to real estate, tenure is often a good way to show how much experience an agent has. Typically, it’s recommended to work with an agent who has five or more years of work experience, that way they’re sure to know all the processes of buying a home and how to avoid pitfalls. 

Know Their Market

Some agents work exclusively in certain types of property or within a certain range of prices. If a home buyer is looking for a single family home in the suburbs, they should cross any agent off their list who mainly works with high-rise urban apartments. The housing market is too vast for every agent to know everything about everything, so be sure to look for agents who work with the type of housing that is wanted.

See How Much They Know

When talking to the real estate agent, be sure to ask questions such as, “Do you know any homes for sale that meet my needs?” If the agent can easily list several different homes, this is an excellent sign. It shows that they keep up with the market, which is a great trait for agents to have. On the other hand, if they respond with a vague answer or say they could find homes at another time, this can be a red flag for the buyer.

Research is the key to finding a suitable real estate agent to work with when buying a Blaine home. This isn’t a decision that should be made hastily, so be sure to do plenty before selecting an agent who will be the most helpful for your needs.

How Do They Use Technology?

Take a look at their social media profiles. Are they outdated with three posts from a couple of years ago? Do they look like they struggle with their online presence? These may be signs of someone that although they might be a great real estate agent, may struggle connecting you with prospects that might be interested in buying your home. Take a look at their website. Does it look antiquated? This may also be a sign that they are a bit behind in the technology game. Look for a real estate agent that has a properly setup fully functional lead generating real estate website and online presence. Make sure they are active on at least a few social media outlets and last but not least, make sure they understand the difference between TikTok and a Tic Tac (tongue firmly in cheek).