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You certainly have no shortage to choose from when it comes to finding a real estate agent. In fact, the National Association of Realtors 2018 Member Report totaled a whopping 1.3 million realtors in the United States — a 6% increase from the previous year. Some estimates say that in Las Vegas alone, there are over 11,460 active real estate agents.
Finding a qualified agent is another story, though. It's even harder considering how many of us there are. We want you to be paired with the perfect professional. To offer a little guidance, here are five things to look for when making the call on the agent you're going to work with.
5 Things to Look for in a Qualified Real Estate Agent
1. Client Testimonials
It can be really difficult to believe what people say about themselves, especially since anyone can say anything they want online. What's far more reliable is what other people say about them. This is where online reviews and testimonials come into play.
You can most likely find testimonials on the agent's website. But be sure to look at outside, third-party platforms, too. No agent is going to post unfavorable reviews on their own website.
What are other people saying about the real estate agent that you're considering? Did they have a positive, stress-free experience? Were their needs met? Did they achieve their goals? Testimonials are the best indication you're going to get of whether or not that agent is the right fit for you. Pay close attention.
2. Knowledge of the Local Market
For a real estate agent to be amazing at what they do, they know not just real estate but the local market they're working within, forward and back. A home isn't an island — it's a part of a larger community. If you want to buy or sell your home, the area you live in is going to play a key role.
For instance, at The Brendan King Group, our agents are very familiar with local businesses, up-and-coming properties, what real estate has looked like in the past, and what it's going to look like in the future. We know what areas are more popular for families and where the best schools are. This helps us immensely when trying to find a buyer for your home or looking for the best property for you. Really, we're not just looking for the perfect home. We're also looking for the perfect community.
When considering a real estate agent, be sure to ask questions and try to gauge how well they know the area you're living in (or wanting to live in). The bigger picture matters!
3. Timely Communication
Real estate waits for no one. Homes can be listed and sold within hours. You need an agent who's going to stay on top of even the tiniest of details and be quick to communicate with you.
This is especially important considering that your own schedule is likely very packed. Look for an agent who's willing to be flexible. We understand that buying or selling a home is a hefty time commitment and responsibility on your end. This is why we're more than happy to accommodate your schedule and work diligently to meet your needs.
Solid communication also means that an agent is willing to use the mode of communication that you prefer. If texting is easier, they'll do it. If you can't be on your phone throughout the day and prefer email instead, then your agent should work with it.
4. Proactive vs. Reactive
A proactive real estate agent puts out fires before they even start. A reactive agent doesn't make a move until everything is burning down.
The point of working with an agent is so that they can prepare you for and protect you from things you wouldn't know to look for in the first place. They should be doing things for you that you can't do for yourself. If an agent doesn't seem willing or equipped to do this, then they're probably not the right agent for you.
For instance, a proactive agent will negotiate the best deal for you, ensure that the homes you're looking at are in a safe area, and draft ironclad contracts and paperwork to make sure that you're protected.
You want an agent that's a little more aggressive and doesn't hesitate to take the next step — not one who sits back and watches from the sidelines. They're supposed to have your back.
5. Good Chemistry and Rapport
We're dealing with a home, not a pair of shoes. A home is something most of us have a real emotional attachment to. For this reason, finding a real estate agent that you mesh with is in your best interest.
"I don't need to be friends with them," you're saying. "They just need to be good at what they do." This is true, to an extent. But it goes beyond that. Find an agent who you work well and get along with. It means that they're going to have your best interests at heart.
While it might feel odd, we encourage you to choose an agent based not just on their experience but on who they are as a person. An industry veteran might have years of experience but not be the most pleasant to work with. Meanwhile, an agent who's more green could be stellar to work with and get the job done.
It might sound abstract but go with your gut. Your intuition is there to do a job. And if it's telling you that an agent you're considering isn't the right one, then listen to it.
At The Brendan King Group, we've made a name for ourselves in Las Vegas not just because we're experienced and knowledgeable. More importantly, we're here for you. We thrive on client satisfaction and can't rest until we know you're completely happy.
Our passion for both real estate and Las Vegas are apparent in the work we do. If you're interested in buying or selling a home in Las Vegas, contact us today and let's get to know each other.
