Whether you want to sell or buy a home, you want to have a real estate agent on your side. Purchasing or selling property can involve many complexities and working with someone with knowledge and experience can give you peace of mind. However, with so many agents out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few tips to get you started.

How to Select the Right Real Estate Agent

1. Research & Conduct Interviews

You can start by asking any friends and family for references if they’ve recently moved. Otherwise, you can browse online to find local real estate agents nearby. If an agent is receiving multiple positive reviews, they may be the right person for the job. On the other hand, if an agent has more than a couple of negative reviews, look elsewhere. 

After selecting the top candidates, talk to them in person. During each interview, ask each agent about their experience, such as how long they’ve worked in the industry and how many homes they’ve sold. It’s also wise to ask about how well they know the housing market in your area.

2. Make Sure They Understand Your Needs

Do you need to be out of your current residence within a certain timeframe? Or, do you need to sell your house soon and relocate to a new state? Any agent you choose should understand any requirements you have.

Find an agent that is on the same page when it comes to strategy, such as how to market your property. If you’re looking for a new home, talk to them about how they will find houses for sale and how they negotiate with other agents or sellers.

3. Find an Agent You Have Chemistry With

A real estate agent can have all the experience in the world, but if you don’t mesh with that person, it’s best to go with someone else. Make sure you feel comfortable talking to your agent and describing your goals.

Communication is an important aspect when selecting the right real estate agent. Find out how often they update their clients about the buying or selling process and how they like to communicate. Some agents may prefer sending emails instead of talking in person.