In Arizona, the housing market is nearly as hot as our summer temps. With a market like this, having the right real estate agent is essential. Buying or selling a home can be exhilarating, but there are also aspects that can be a bit stressful. An agent should do all the heavy-lifting, so you can focus on the fun stuff.
A qualified agent will list your home on the MLS, help you attract buyers, coordinate tours, and negotiate the details of the sale. If you’re on the buyer’s side of the transaction, your agent should communicate with sellers’ agent to find the best fit for you. Using experience and knowledge about the housing market, the right agent makes all the difference.
The benefits of a good agent are almost too high to count, which is why it’s important to get the best agent. So what should you look for?
Do you vibe with your agent?
The first thing you want to look for in an agent is a solid connection. Your agent should be supportive and understanding of your home buying or selling goals. You’re going to spend a lot of time with your agent, so don’t commit to working with someone you don’t vibe with.
No one likes to feel misunderstood, especially during something as important as buying or selling a house. You need someone who is reliably there for you. When there’s a good vibe between you and your agent, you’ll feel comfortable expressing your goals. You’ll know it’s a match if your agent understands what’s important to you and works hard to help you achieve those goals.
How to find the agent who gets you.
Lots of people start the agent search by asking for referrals from friends and family. While this can be a good way to get some leads, you also want to make sure you click well before you commit. Don’t feel pressured to use your brother-in-law’s uncle) just so you don’t offend anyone. It’s worth a phone call to see if those agents are a good fit, but be sure to also follow up on any other leads.
Finding leads without referrals is easy, even if less common. An internet search and a thorough investigation of Google or Facebook reviews is a great place to start. Reach out to a few leads, and set up a time to chat.
Don’t be afraid to open up while chatting. Of course you want to discuss the practical issues, but you won’t know if you and an agent are going to connect unless you’re willing to be genuine in describing yourself and your goals. If you don’t feel comfortable being yourself, you probably haven’t met the right agent yet.
Are you working with a pro?
Anyone who’s already started the search for an agent is likely aware of how many options there are. Licensed real estate agents are easy to come by, but not all agents are created equal. If you want the best experience possible, it’s essential to find an expert.
A true pro has extensive knowledge about the local market. This knowledge is invaluable when it comes to buying and selling homes. An expert agent will show you what a fair price is for a home by doing a comparative market analysis.
If you’re working with the best of the best, they won’t stop at running comps on other homes. They’ll be able to tell you which neighborhoods are up-and-coming, as well as which characteristics people in the area are willing to pay extra for. These agents are aware of trends as well as culture in the area. This allows them to negotiate the best deal for you.
Negotiation is another one of those skills that all of the highest performing agents have. If you want the best deal, you need an agent who can negotiate like a pro. You don’t want someone who is unwilling to fight for the right price because all the other agents out there will be fighting. You will save a ton of money by negotiating details of the sale. Be sure your agent is up for the challenge.
How to know when you’ve found the real deal.
During your search for the perfect agent, ask each potential agent about experience. Some agents only do a few transactions a year, so years of experience isn’t always the best measure. Ask about the number and types of transactions as well.
Get as many details as possible before you commit. How quickly do this agent’s clients close on their homes? How do bidding wars typically end when they are involved? How much do their clients’ homes sell for compared to the market rate? You’ll need to know all of this information to find the perfect agent.
How much will you have in your wallet after everything is over?
For most buyers and sellers, saving money is a top priority. Good agents are willing to fight for you and your bank account. The best agents charge you a fair price to do that. You don’t want to walk away feeling overcharged.
Pricing a home correctly is one way an agent can save you money. Sometimes this can be a bit of an art. You can’t list a home too high because price drops might signal to buyers that the house is undesirable. Occasionally, expert agents list a home at a low price in order to create interest and spark a bidding war. Bidding wars are almost always good news for sellers.
However, you don’t want to list too low and end up with offers coming in at much less than your home is worth. The key to getting the best deal is working with an agent who understands pricing dynamics like the back of their hand.
Everyone is happy when their agent saves them money. It’s a bit of downer, though, when huge commissions eat into that money. You want to work with a high-performing agent, but to get the best bang for your buck, be sure to find someone that doesn’t overcharge.
How to find an agent who doesn’t overcharge.
An all-too-common mistake is going with the first recommendation for an agent that you receive. While this might be the easiest option, you may end up paying a substantial commission fee to someone who won’t provide the best experience.
Be sure to discuss the agents’ commission or fee during your initial conversation. Some people think every agent charges a 3% commission, so this is what you must pay if you want to work with an agent. While 3% commission is a common rate, it can be negotiated.
It’s important to remember you also have the option to work with an agent that charges a low fee. Don’t settle for the standard price just because it’s common. You can save tons of money by researching the options. You can use the money you save to cover moving costs, renovation projects, or an awesome housewarming party.
Why work with Homie?
If you’re ready to work with an experienced agent with a great vibe, Homie is here for you. Homie isn’t just a name; it’s an attitude. All of our customers are our homies, and we prioritize making a great connection with you.
With the help of the Homie team, Homie agents typically do more transactions in a year than most agents will do in a lifetime. These agents are true pros, and they definitely know how to market. In fact, Homie homes sell faster than other homes because we really know how to attract customers.
The best part of working with a Homie agent is the amount of money you’ll save. When you work with Homie, you pay a low fee to sell your home. If you’re buying a home with a Homie agent, you can keep up to 50% of our commission!* Whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll get a Homie agent with tons of experience! Click to start selling or buying with a Homie agent!
*Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the Buyer Broker Agreement.
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