Real estate agents spend much of their day talking with clients, customers and fellow agents, so it is crucial that they be able to communicate effectively.
To help you select an agent who best matches your needs, we have put together this list of 11 things your real estate agent should be doing for you. Enjoy! 1. Staying in communication.
1. Market your home
Your real estate agent will dedicate many hours and efforts into marketing your home. Be sure to set clear goals for them to achieve – this will encourage them to keep working hard when results don’t appear right away.
An effective agent will understand how to market your home effectively in any market condition – from buyers or sellers. This may involve using their network to find homes not listed on MLS or real estate websites.
They will also understand how to leverage video in marketing your property, such as creating informative videos about mortgage options, saving for a down payment and tax benefits of homeownership; all topics which prospects can find valuable. These videos can then be posted on social media or emailed directly to leads.
2. Show your home to potential buyers
Agents should employ multiple marketing channels to attract potential buyers. These may include websites, emails, billboards, television and radio advertisements, open houses and fliers.
Buyer agents also assist buyers in understanding the local housing market, by providing data on comparable properties to help determine a fair asking price and prequalify for mortgage financing.
Real estate agents typically ask buyers questions during showings and observe their body language, gaining insights into any preferences or objections not directly expressed; for instance if someone doesn’t want a pool in the backyard or is prioritizing public transportation proximity over any other factor. Once they know this information they’ll recommend properties that meet those criteria while asking for feedback post showing.
3. Show your home to other agents
Real estate agents provide people with a valuable service: helping them buy and sell homes. Real estate agents dedicate themselves full-time to this work, with some creating an unforgettable experience for clients by providing superior customer service at every stage in the transaction, maintaining close communication, and consistently following up afterwards. The best real estate agents strive to offer this VIP treatment with their clients by delivering outstanding service throughout every stage of a deal and maintaining near-constant communication – an approachable agent is key when providing excellent results!
Acquainted with the market, these experts can advise on which home is the most suitable for your budget and compare current sales data with comparable properties to determine whether an overpriced home exists.
Local agents use their connections to locate homes not listed on the MLS and can save you time by scouting properties for you ahead of other buyers. They will negotiate hard on your behalf; their priority should not be their next sale but what makes sense for their clientele. They keep sellers up-to-date about feedback from showings or any additional information needed during showings and are constantly in touch with both.
4. Negotiate on your behalf
Real estate agents spend much of their time negotiating on behalf of their clients. They must communicate clearly what compromises are acceptable during negotiations, so as not to alienate themselves or other agents involved in the transaction.
A skilled real estate agent should be able to find common ground between differing demands in a transaction and work towards an acceptable agreement for all parties involved. They will also be adept at handling unexpected obstacles that arise throughout the process – for instance they should never discourage buyers from making offers (which is often one of the biggest mistakes sellers or listing agents make) instead they should counter-offer unacceptable offers instead of rejecting them outright; this keeps negotiations alive and increases chances that an acceptable negotiated agreement can be reached between all parties involved.
5. Negotiate on your behalf with the buyer’s agent
Real estate agents spend much of their time immersed in details. From comparing housing prices and reviewing contracts, to considering client wants and desires, being successful requires keen vision and meticulousness in this business.
At closing, your agent will negotiate directly with the buyer’s agent to ensure a seamless experience for both parties involved. They will arrange for a final walkthrough prior to closing day to make sure all documents are in order and that everything goes according to plan.
Mistakes can delay or cost money, so it’s essential that you work with an agent who pays close attention to every detail. They should understand their local market well as well as keep abreast of current housing trends in order to best serve their clients.
6. Negotiate on your behalf with the seller’s agent
Real estate agents who excel at communicating effectively are adept at quickly and fully informing potential clients about the market, helping clients establish an appropriate asking price for their home and representing them during negotiations.
All sales items can be negotiable in some way, with each party usually offering higher or lower prices depending on their position and eventually meeting in the middle.
Your agent will negotiate with the buyer’s agent, mortgage lender and escrow/title agency to ensure your sale closes as efficiently and quickly as possible. They’ll provide proactive updates and respond to questions in a timely fashion via email, text or phone; walk you through all closing paperwork; be your advocate every step of the way!
7. Negotiate on your behalf with the lender
Your real estate agent should negotiate on your behalf with lenders during the buying and selling processes to get the home that suits your needs and ensures a timely closing.
Real estate professionals should also assist you with setting a reasonable listing price and being honest about its condition – for instance, whether puddles of water in the basement represent normal wear-and-tear or are signs of more serious problems such as corroded pipes.
Negotiations skills of your real estate agent will enable them to sell your home quickly and for the highest possible amount, as well as provide you with optimal mortgage terms and rates. They could save you thousands over time while helping avoid mistakes that cost thousands more in fees or repairs.
8. Negotiate on your behalf with the seller’s lender
Negotiation skills are one of the cornerstones of real estate. Both buyers and sellers seek fair pricing for their properties; an effective agent knows how to work with both sides towards finding common ground.
An experienced agent will also be able to navigate any hurdles during the closing process, such as financing delays or appraisal issues, to make sure you get your home at an ideal price.
As part of your interview process with agents, request testimonials or contact information from previous clients to gain an idea of their reputation and whether or not they stand behind their work. Furthermore, agents can provide a list of local lenders that meet your needs, saving both time and money during the mortgage approval process.
9. Negotiate on your behalf with the buyer’s lender
Reputable agents possess a proven record of completing deals efficiently. They will have established strong client relations and the ability to generate leads themselves.
Your local real estate market knowledge should also allow for accurate pricing recommendations for sellers, while quickly locating properties that meet buyer criteria.
A great real estate agent puts their client’s needs first and won’t exaggerate anything in the home buying or selling process, saving buyers and sellers both time, money and headaches in the process. Communication is of utmost importance when selecting an agent; great agents should communicate clearly in a timely fashion whether through email, text message or phone call.
10. Negotiate on your behalf with the seller’s lender
An effective real estate agent understands both the emotional and financial complexities associated with purchasing or selling a home, showing genuine concern for their clientele during this life-altering experience. Their genuine care leads to loyal customers that remain customers over years (or decades).
Communication is key when buying or selling real estate, and they ensure their customers understand every step of the transaction process. They provide only pertinent information such as closing costs or local market trends for real estate transactions, and attend all meetings with mortgage lenders, other real estate agents or title/escrow agents so that they may advocate on behalf of their clients and negotiate favorable terms on their behalf.