Experience
Before you choose an agent, you need to ask some important questions. How long has the agent been working with clients like you, and what is their track record like? What certifications do they have? Do they have experience working in the locality you wish to buy or sell in?
An experienced real estate agent like Stephen Smith, will have in-depth knowledge of the various challenges involved in real estate transactions and will be able to help you avoid major pitfalls.
The best place to start looking for an agent will be through review sites like Facebook and Zillow or by getting referrals from friends and family. In fact, 28% of sellers found out about their agent from a friend, relative, neighbor, or colleague.
Local Housing Market Knowledge
80% of sellers prefer agents who specialize in the local market. This is because an agent who understands the nuances of a community’s housing market and seasonal trends will allow them to identify major opportunities and help you figure out a pricing and marketing strategy that highlights your home’s best qualities. They will also be able to help you find a property that meets your specific requirements if you’re looking to buy a house.
Professional Connections
An agent experienced in a particular area will also have well-established connections there. They can recommend reputable real estate attorneys, stagers, contractors, and other vendors you need to make the home buying or selling process easier.
Personalized Service
You need to have a strong rapport with your agent from the get-go. You deserve an agent who understands your unique needs, is honest and sets clear expectations, is available to field questions whenever you have them, offers feedback on pricing, marketing strategies, and home improvements, facilitates negotiations, and assists with financial transactions.
Buying and selling property can be a time-consuming process—you need a bespoke agent who is willing to dedicate enough time to your needs, whether it’s getting your property ready for sale or setting up a last-minute home visit as soon as a property is available.
Marketing and Technological Skills
As more people now start looking for homes on the internet, your agent must be able to help you create a strong first impression online. This means they should have a strong social media presence where they can draw attention to your house and list your property on various brokerage platforms like Zillow. They should also help you with hiring professional photographers, creating virtual tours, staging, and hosting open houses to showcase your property in the best light possible.
Irrespective of whether you’re buying or selling a house, the agent you choose will be assisting you through a financially significant part of your life. So you need someone like Stephen Smith who is honest, responsive, passionate, and committed to helping you win the best deals possible. If you’re looking to buy or sell property in the Monmouth County/Jersey Shore area, contact us today!