Industry pros think home prices could easily rise 2%-5% this year, judging by the Spring 2024 home buying rush already underway. If you want to take the best advantage of a promising market, you might be thinking of hiring an agent.
Anyone selling or buying a home can benefit from a good agent’s support. The right agent will help you get the best deal on the best home for you in the market you’re in. And that person can help you understand the finer points of your particular transaction, title, and deed.
Good agents help homeowners make smart decisions leading up to a sale. They organize timelines and meetings. They guide buyers through appraisals, inspections, and negotiations. They help secure well-informed, fair agreements.
Is an Agent the Same as a Broker?
A broker orchestrates a deal. A good broker wants the best outcome for all involved, but isn’t representing you personally.
In contrast, an agent is a champion for your interests. Your agent’s focus is getting the deal done, yes — but on your terms. For a true pro, getting you the right house comes before getting the deal done.
The term dual representation refers to a broker that works with both buyer and seller together. But in most situations, each party needs their own real estate agent to represent them. They’re supported by the real estate agent’s fiduciary duties. In plain language, that means a duty to treat the client and the deal with mindfulness every step of the way.
What Are the Signs of a Good Agent?
A good agent:
- Knows interior design features, and can explain the value of this countertop over that one.
- Takes you through an inspection, then reviews the report with you, offering clarity on what needs repairs and how soon.
- Might get the seller to offer the repairs and upgrades, or discount the home so that the cost burden doesn’t fall to you.
- Knows how to find mortgage experts.
- Encourages everyone to stay on track; and, at the same time, looks for anything amiss, and tells you.
This professional speaks up if you could be ready to offer (or accept) too much or too little — and why. This agent is willing to work hard for you, and says so.
How Can I Find the Right Agent?
Don’t yet have a local agent? Check out this plan for finding your own champion.
Step 1. Gather a list of names.
To get 3-5 agents’ names:
- Ask homeowners you know in the area and gather a few recommendations. Then take a look at the professionals’ social media presence, reviews, testimonials, and so on.
- Find the social media page for the actual property or place you’re interested in, and request agent links from the members. Then, check ‘em out!
- Seen agents’ yard signs around the area you’re interested in? Spotted and agents’ blogs while looking for properties? Take down names and numbers. Consider signing up for or dropping by their open houses and learn more about them first-hand.
- Seek online matching resources. Search for hire top local real estate agents; some sites are free to use.
Step 2. Review the agents’ websites.
Visit each agent’s website to get a feel for how well they use marketing tools and techniques. Are the visuals effective? Is the listing text mainly boilerplate, or is the agent describing the homes in a detailed way?
Step 3. Review the property websites.
Look up local real estate near the home you are selling, or within the range you want to buy. The real estate sites show agents beside their listings. Call a few and talk with them. What are their local experiences? How active are they? Can they walk you through the process, from where you are to closing day.
Step 4. Ask your mortgage consultant.
Found a loan officer or mortgage consultant to work with first? If you’re working with a local mortgage pro, you have an additional way to find your agent. Ask them who’s local that they think will fit your needs. They’ll likely have great answers, but it’s your call.
So, on to the interview…
Step 5. Interview your top picks on video calls.
Once you’re down to two or three standouts, have a call to get clarity on whether you’d like to enter a real estate agent agreement. What will you ask?
- Buyers, ask: Is the agent familiar with the specific place you have in mind? Have them walk you through the process of shopping for a home and signing a contract.
- If you’re a seller, you’ll want to know: How widely will your home be advertised? How will it be shown? Find an agent who knows your neighborhood — one who knows what draws people there. Good agents will be honest about your home’s features and flaws, and help you get it in shape for showing.
Step 6. Circle back to your finalists’ local reviews.
Now you should be ready to choose. Who got back to you quickly? Who knew their stuff, and explained it to you in plain language? Who promised to work diligently on your behalf?
If you know your stuff yourself, you might ask: Do I need a real estate agent at all? Some transactions are person-to-person, avoiding customary real estate broker commissions. And that’s completely acceptable. You can create your own deed even if you get your purchase and loan documents done by agents and loan officers. If you don’t really need an agent, you might be able to save money by hiring a real estate attorney to review your purchase agreement and closing documents.
Is Buying or Selling Online Different? And a Few Concluding Words
It’s now common for agreements to be struck remotely. And many buyers and sellers work with online real estate brokerages. An example is Houwzer®. (This company states: “Instead of paying a 6% commission, pay as low as 2% to the buyer’s agent and 1% to us at closing. That’s a 50% savings.”) Deeds.com has no affiliation with agents or brokerages, and urges readers to carry out due diligence before choosing an agent or company.
Online or off, ask agents what fees you’ll pay. If you pick an agent with a traditional company, you can negotiate the fees before signing the contract.
We offer this article for our readers’ general information. It’s neither legal nor financial advice. If you need guidance with listing or purchase agreements, consult with local real estate professionals. And don’t forget to set up a meeting with your tax expert for case-specific guidance.
Supporting References
Deeds.com: The “Post-MLS” Market: Is Being Your Own Agent the Future of Real Estate? (Nov. 10, 2023).
Deeds.com: Would You Become a Real Estate Broker to Buy Your Own Home? (Apr. 3, 2023).
Deeds.com: Finding a Good Online Real Estate Agent, the Key to Buying a Home Online (Apr. 4, 2022).
Deeds.com: How Much Will You Pay Your Real Estate Agent? (Mar. 5, 2021).
Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine via Kiplinger.com: What You Should Know About Hiring a Real Estate Agent (Jan. 7, 2015).
And as linked.
More on topics: Agent commission debate, Assertive home buying.
Photo credits: Ivan Samkov and Alena Darmel, via Pexels/Canva.