Finding the right real estate agent can be tricky. Too often, buyers and sellers fall for an agent with excellent people skills who is more adept at selling themselves than handling a home sale or purchase. This is always unfortunate, as your agent is the most critical factor in determining how successful you will be in securing the best Chico real estate deal.
The good news is that experienced and qualified agents are easy to spot if you ask the right questions. So, whether you are looking at Tehama houses for sale or selling your own, these tips will help you identify the agent who will make your experience successful and enjoyable.
1. Networking skills
Photo courtesy of UnsplashReal estate agents need networking skills to connect clients with the right buyer or seller. An agent should know how to determine clients' objectives and leverage industry connections to meet them. To determine whether or not an agent has the right networking skills, you should ask them questions such as:
- How do you approach connecting buyers and sellers?
- What strategies do you use to build relationships with potential buyers, sellers, and their agents?
- How do you evaluate a client's needs and objectives?
Communication is vital to networking; an agent with good communication skills will answer your questions. You can also ask them to provide real examples that demonstrate their abilities in practice.
2. Solid negotiation abilities
Photo courtesy of UnsplashA real estate agent with sound negotiating skills is well-equipped to secure the best deals for their clients. They can negotiate a reasonable price for a property and get the best sale terms. To determine if your real estate agent has the necessary negotiating skills, ask them questions such as:
- Describe a complex negotiation and how you came out of it successfully.
- How would you approach negotiating a lower or higher price for a property?
- Can you describe a situation where you navigated a conflict between both parties and how you reached a mutually-beneficial agreement?
All of these questions will indicate their negotiation abilities and help you decide if they are the right agent for you.
3. In-depth knowledge of the local market
Photo courtesy of UnsplashA real estate agent with in-depth knowledge of Chico real estate can help their client set reasonable expectations and negotiate effectively, regardless of whether they are buying or selling. A real estate agent should be able to answer questions that pertain to the local market and provide informed opinions about the market to their clients.
To determine whether or not a real estate agent has in-depth knowledge of the local market, you should ask questions such as:
- What is the average selling price of homes in the local market?
- What trends do you see emerging in the market, and how did you reach those conclusions?
- What is the average time to sell a home of a particular type in the local market?
These questions will help determine whether the real estate agent thoroughly understands the local market and whether they are basing their knowledge on actual data or just assumptions.
4. A proven track record of success
A track record of success demonstrates that an agent has the necessary experience to help you find the right property that meets your needs (or reach sales terms that achieve your goals). This is one of the more straightforward qualities of a great real estate agent to verify — the agent either has past sales, or they do not.
Asking the following questions will help you determine an agent's experience:
Asking the following questions will help you determine an agent's experience:
- How long have you worked as an agent in this market?
- What other real estate transactions have you completed?
- Can you provide me with references from past clients?
Asking these questions will help you better understand the real estate agent's experience and success rate, and that will ensure that you find the right agent to meet your needs.
5. Excellent marketing skills
While the benefits of excellent marketing skills are most apparent when selling a home, these skills can help a client looking for a home to buy as well. An agent with marketing skills will be better equipped to represent their clients, regardless of their role in the sale. Even when purchasing a home, making an offer and negotiating the final terms is a form of marketing, as your agent has to present both you and your terms as the best option for the seller.
When interviewing a prospective agent, questions such as these can help you to evaluate how they fare at marketing both their clients and their clients' homes:
When interviewing a prospective agent, questions such as these can help you to evaluate how they fare at marketing both their clients and their clients' homes:
- How do you typically market a property?
- What strategies do you use to reach potential buyers?
- How do you present buyers to sellers to make them stand out?
Answers to these questions will give you insight into the agent’s marketing strategies and indicate their marketing skills. If the agent understands the real estate market, they can provide targeted strategies to ensure their clients’ properties get the attention they need.
Additionally, a skilled marketer will be able to make sure any buyer they represent stands out from the competition. Ultimately, having an agent with strong marketing skills is essential for any successful real estate transaction.
Additionally, a skilled marketer will be able to make sure any buyer they represent stands out from the competition. Ultimately, having an agent with strong marketing skills is essential for any successful real estate transaction.
The final question to ask yourself
As you interview agents, you may find that more than one has at least some of the necessary skills to represent you, though each to varying degrees. Ultimately, you have to ask yourself, which agent has the appropriate experience, knowledge, and insights that stand out above the rest?
If you have done your homework, the simple answer will always be Jesselle Cook. Primarily serving Chico County and the surrounding area, Jesselle works with clients like you who need a professional to navigate their home purchase or sale. Do you want to work with the best real estate agent in Chico County? Contact Jesselle today.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
If you have done your homework, the simple answer will always be Jesselle Cook. Primarily serving Chico County and the surrounding area, Jesselle works with clients like you who need a professional to navigate their home purchase or sale. Do you want to work with the best real estate agent in Chico County? Contact Jesselle today.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
