A lot of people make the mistake of trying to sell their North Carolina homes on their own. In the real estate industry, this is known as a “for sale by owner” (FSBO) transaction. Some sellers think they’ll save money by not hiring a real estate agent. Others believe it gives them more control over the sale. In fact, FSBO sales often wind up costing a seller more. An experienced agent is a skilled negotiator with a client’s best interests in mind. Your agent can help you achieve the best deal possible.
All real estate agents are not equal, however. In fact, some might be better off choosing an alternate career path. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, receiving quality service from a real estate agency will not only help you accomplish your goals but can also create a pleasant and memorable experience. Buying or selling a house does not have to be stressful or frustrating. What qualities should you look for in a real estate agent?
A top-notch real estate agent is a good listener
One of the most important qualities of an effective real estate agent is being an active listener. As a buyer or seller, you want to feel like your needs and goals are being heard and valued. If you meet with an agent who interrupts when you’re speaking, doesn’t ask questions or fails to follow through to provide answers for questions you’ve asked, it’s not a good sign.
The best agents are active listeners. They want to learn as much as possible about their clients’ preferences because this enables them to streamline a search (for a buyer) or focus on specific priorities (for a seller).
Hire an agent who pays attention to detail
As mentioned earlier, your real estate agent should have your best interests in mind throughout a home sale transaction. A quality agent pays attention to detail. This includes carefully reviewing the wording of a contract, providing recommendations for staging a home, as well as the overall presentation of an online listing. Overlooking small details can have serious implications and may wind up costing you money or causing closing delays.
Does your agent have a personal connection to the area?
A real estate agent isn’t required to live in the area where he or she works. An agent must simply possess a license to sell homes in a specific state. If you’re selling or buying a home in Columbia or a surrounding North Carolina region, it’s wise to connect with an agent who is personally invested in the area. Someone who lives in the area or, at least, is knowledgeable about its history, amenities and local culture has an edge over agents who live elsewhere or don’t know much about the region.
In addition to these qualities, you’ll also want to make sure your real estate agent is personable. If there’s a personality conflict, or you don’t feel like you would work well together, it’s best to move on to another agency. The right agent will help you achieve your real estate goals and will make the experience a pleasant one.