Whether you’re getting ready to sell your Tiburon real estate or purchase one of the new homes in Mill Valley, one of the first tasks to check off your list is finding a real estate agent. Some people already know one they like, but if you’re moving into a new area, or it’s been a while since you last moved, you may have to seek someone new. It can be hard to tell who you should hire, and you may get many referrals. Here are some steps you should take to find the right agent for your goals, rather than settling for whoever is most convenient.
How to choose the right Marin County real estate agent
Think of what you want
Each of us meshes best with different personality types and work styles. Do you want a very hands-on agent who updates you daily, or do you prefer getting those updates weekly or only when there’s a time-sensitive matter? Do you want an agent who can handle everything from staging to closing, or one who only specializes in showings and paperwork? If you aren’t in town by the closing date, you’ll want an agent who offers virtual closing. Altogether, make a list of what you’d like your real estate agent to do this will provide a good starting point for your agent search.
Ask for referrals
The best way to find your real estate agent outside of a detailed search is to ask your family and friends who they have used and liked. Therefore, you trust their opinions and can expect to have a similar experience from the same agents, so start there. Ask everyone you know who they have used when buying and selling a house. If you don’t have family in the area, ask coworkers who they would recommend this is a perfect option for when you’re moving into a new location and don’t know anyone yet. Referrals provide you with an added sense of confidence; you know right off the bat that you’ll be in contact with someone with a proven record of success.
Check reviews
Regardless of whether you know anyone in Marin County or obtain a referral, it is good to check online reviews. Find online reviews on Google or other websites to see what past clients say. People are much quicker to complain than they are to praise. The silver lining here, though, is that you’ll see what problems may have occurred with that agent and what other clients felt the agent’s strongest area was. This information allows for nearly unbiased insight, which is ideal for searching for the proper agent.
Do your research
It’s also important to do your research. Most real estate agents, when pressed, could probably handle any sort of deal that comes across their desk, but they generally specialize in certain areas. If you’re selling your home, you’ll want an agent with marketing expertise. If you’re purchasing, you’re going to want the best negotiator in the business on your side to help reduce the price as much as possible.
Agents also specialize in types of property. A realtor specializing in single-family homes may not have the best network for finding out when a condo is on the market. An agent who primarily handles commercial deals probably isn’t the best option for a residential purchase.
This kind of differentiating even extends to the locations in which agents work. An agent may work throughout the Bay Area, but if they predominantly handle transactions in San Jose, they won’t necessarily know the best neighborhoods, schools, or seafood restaurants in a place like Novato. It’s well worth it to conduct proper research and find an agent who specializes in the components of your specific deal.
Conduct interviews
Just because you’ve called one agent, that doesn’t mean you’re now locked into using them. Until you sign a contract, you can decide that they aren’t a good fit for you. Contact at least three agents you’re considering and interview them. Doing so will give you a feel for how successful they’ve been, whether they can handle your transaction, and whether their personality is a good fit for yours.
Some questions to ask in these interviews include:
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How long have you worked in real estate?
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How many housing deals have you been a part of?
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Focus on sales in your neighborhood or other nearby areas.
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Do you work with a team?
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What’s your selling/buying process?
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Will you also represent the buyer/seller?
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You don’t want them to, as this can present a conflict of interest.
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What is your average list-to-sale ratio?
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What should I know about the real estate market right now?
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What is your marketing plan?
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How do your showings work?
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What is your commission price?
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How often can I expect to hear from you?
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Do you have any references I can call?
The answers to these questions will tell you if they are adequately experienced and successful in buying or selling houses, whether they have experience related to the area you’re actively considering, and how well you’ll work with them.
Find out what’s provided
Look for an agent who offers a complete array of services. If you’re selling, will they ensure your house is appropriately staged and photographed? Can they coordinate any repair work or upgrades that need to be done? Will they handle not just the listing of your home on MLS sites but also marketing in print forms and across social media? An agent who accomplishes all of these tasks and more saves you time and is significantly more likely to sell your home faster for a higher price.
Such is true for buying as well. A good agent will show you houses, but they can also sift through the ever-changing listings and send you the ones that fit your needs, saving you hours each day. They can help arrange inspections, recommend a moving company, and even help you secure financing from banks in some cases.
You need to make sure that you find an agent who assists with the whole picture, not just in negotiating and signing paperwork. You’ll have more success and a better experience with a multi-faceted agent.
Watch for red flags
While making initial contact with prospective agents, pay attention to any and all red flags. If you reach out to them, they should answer you promptly. While they may be busy with other customers, an agent who can’t respond within 24 hours is either too busy to focus on you or not taking their job seriously. This can extend into other acts of unprofessionalism, be it profane language, missing or being chronically late for appointments, or talking rudely about other clients or agents.
You also don’t want an agent who pressures you. An agent who will pressure you early on will pressure you to the end, pushing you into moving to an area that you don’t love, purchasing a house that has glaring issues or just simply doesn’t fit your needs, and going over your budget.
Read before signing
Before you sign a contract with your agent, read the contract. Look for clauses on how to terminate the agreement if you’re not satisfied, check that the commission matches what was discussed, and ensure everything is up to par.
Finally, choose the agent you like
The final factor to consider when choosing your realtor is figuring out what your instincts are telling you. Your real estate agent will be a big part of your life for a while, so pick someone you like enough to have lunch with, someone who doesn’t have habits that annoy you, someone who makes you feel comfortable. Your gut is a well-trained judge of people, and you should listen to what it’s telling you.
Start the realtor search process by contacting Nadine Greenwood or Camara Scremin at Nadine & Camara Team, two of the top real estate agents in Marin County. Whether you’re a local looking to upgrade or you’re new to the Bay Area, they can help you choose the best neighborhood for your lifestyle and find the perfect home.
