Whether you’re getting ready to put a “for sale” sign up in your yard or start looking for a new home in South Carolina, it’s beneficial to have someone on your side to help you achieve your goals. Just because someone is licensed, doesn’t mean that he or she is good at the job. Finding a real estate agent that meets your needs is a key to success when buying or selling a home.
It’s a good idea to make sure you understand basic industry vocabulary before hiring a real estate agent. For example, do you know the difference between an agent and a broker, as well the differences between a listing agent and buyer’s agent? How can you tell if a specific person or team is right for you?
Sellers should ask these questions before hiring a real estate agent
The overall goal when selling a house is to get the best offer. You might have unique needs or goals, such as wanting to sell within a certain amount of time or needing to make enough profit for a downpayment on a new home. Perhaps you just want to break even and move on as quickly as possible. A real estate agent who is not a good fit might actually impede your ability to accomplish your goals. Asking the questions on the following list is a good place to start when hiring a listing agent:
- How many homes have you sold in the past year?
- What do you think my home is worth?
- Are the upgrades or changes you’d recommend before selling?
- What is your marketing plan?
A listing agent’s goal should be to help you bring in offers that lay the groundwork for a smooth and satisfactory closing.
Things to consider when buying a new home
The right buyer’s agent will have no problem answering these questions:
- Are you willing and able to help me stick to my price range?
- Do you have the skills to negotiate a deal in a bid war?
- What would the specifics of our agreement be?
- Do you believe I will encounter challenges in trying to achieve my goals as I have explained them to you? If so, do you have suggestions for ways to overcome those challenges?
It’s also wise to make sure the real estate agent you choose is equipped to handle specific needs. For example, are you or your spouse a military veteran? Are you a first-time home buyer? Are you trying to avoid contingencies? Do not hire an agent who does not answer your questions or have a plan in mind to meet your needs.