Choosing a Real Estate Agent: Things to Consider

Selling or purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. Being represented by the right agent can make all the difference, and being equipped with the right tools will help you make the best decision for you and your family. When choosing a Realtor, there are some important things to consider. Here are 7 points you will want to touch on with every agent you interview:

1. Talk with Past Clients

When considering a real estate agent to represent you in the sale of your home, it’s important to trust him/her, but gathering feedback from recent clients can really help you make the best decision. Ask the Realtor to provide you a list of recent sales, along with contact information.

 2. Marketing Strategy

Selling a property isn’t as easy as planting a sign in your front yard, and waiting for offers. A lot of planning goes into effectively marketing your property. Ask agents to share with you their marketing strategy and what they plan to do to get your home sold.

3. Internet Presence

Because most buyers are looking online and sellers are marketing online, it is important that your Realtor is using that tool effectively. Ask about their online presence, including social media, personal web page, as well as their affiliations with other home sale sites, such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com

4. Consider Stats

An Realtor’s stats can reveal a lot about the effectiveness of their strategy, as well as their ability to produce. Ask the agent what their most current list to sale price ratio is, as well as their current average market time. Another stat to consider is their previous year’s sales as well as their current sales. This will help you identify the amount of work they do.

5. Work with the best

Success breeds success. When interviewing agents, be sure to get an idea of their success and proven track record. This could include awards received, titles, and/ or client reviews.

6. Look Up Licensing

When considering an Realtor, be sure to look up their license number– this should be found anywhere their name and service is listed, such as, email signature, business card, website, etc. California Bureau of Real Estate makes all Real Estate disciplinary actions public on their website. Be sure to look into any disciplinary action that may have been placed on your potential real estate agent.

7. Knowledge of the Area

An experienced agent will be knowledgeable about the area. This knowledge can be a key factor in marketing your home, or acquiring your dream home, so be sure to ask about comparables in the area as well as any information that might pertain to your situation.

Chula Vista offers many Real Estate agents to choose from. Instead of working with the first one you find, or the one your neighbor worked with, be sure to do your homework to ensure your home is in good hands and your Realtor has your best interest in mind.
source: bankrate.com

Daniel Di Matteo is a trusted local real estate agent serving Chula Vista and the surrounding areas. Daniel is approaching a decade in his real estate career with Century 21 Award, and is currently the #1 Century 21 Real Estate Agent in Chula Vista based on 2013 sales volume. Daniel has received countless awards for quality service and production, and is committed to giving the best real estate service in Chula Vista. A family man, Daniel is passionate about the investment that real estate creates for his family and projects that same kind of passion onto each and every client he works with. Daniel is a trusted Realtor and friend to the community of Chula Vista.