How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent

It is important to find a qualified real estate agent to handle your buying or selling needs. This is how to find the best real estate agent near you.

Last month, there were over 38,000 real estate agents in Pennsylvania. That's according to the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) monthly membership report. Not all agents are members, so there may be even more in the state.

This figure doesn't come close to the over 200,000 listed in Florida, but it's still quite significant. If you're looking for a Pennsylvania real estate agent, the task may seem daunting. But it doesn't have to be.

There are certain factors and characteristics you should look for. This can help ensure you hire a real estate agent that suits your needs. Read on to learn how to find the best real estate agent in your area.

Benefits of Using a Real Estate Agent

Whether you're buying or selling, you'll want the process to go as smoothly as possible. One way you can ensure this is by hiring a real estate agent. Here are a few other benefits of hiring one:

Meticulous Record Keeping

A good agent will have thorough records. They often keep these for years. If you have any issues with your property, later on, they'll be a great resource to rely on. 

They're also great with closing documents. They'll have everything in order. Leaving you with nothing to worry about. They'll also liaise with your lender to ensure they'll meet the closing deadline.

Knowledge of the Market

If there's a particular feature you want in your home, chances are a good agent will find one with it. That's even if the request seems impossible.

That's how well great agents know their market. They have years of experience and can usually walk into a home and immediately know its value.

They can easily compare it to similar homes on the market. This includes looking at features and amenities.

This makes the pricing process easier. You can list almost immediately as they won't have to do extensive research.

This experience will also come in handy if you're buying. They'll be able to spot overpriced or underpriced listings. They'll also know a lot about available homes in the area. They won't waste your time showing you homes that don't meet your requirements.  

Negotiation Skills

Their knowledge of listings enables them to spot problems on first viewing. If this is the case, they can usually recommend a good independent home inspector.

An experienced agent can use their negotiation skills to resolve the problem. They'll know what's reasonable and can request the seller do repairs before the sale.

How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent in Your Area

There are many factors to consider when buying or selling a home. Many of these can be time-consuming and sometimes even tedious. A good local real estate agent can relieve much of this burden for you.

But if you're wondering, Where can I find a real estate agent near me? here's how:

Ask Family and Friends

Many people you know may have already sold or bought a home. Ask family and friends for recommendations. They can provide you with a firsthand account of their experience.

Review these recommendations to see if they'll be a good fit. If you're a first-time buyer, it may be best to work with an agent that has experience with this.

Some agents may also specialize. There are buyer's agents and seller's agents, and those who do both. Make sure you know their specialty before choosing.

Ask Your Lender

If you're buying a home, More than likely, you'll seek to get pre-approval before you start looking. Lenders often know local agents and can recommend one to you, based on your needs.

The faster you find a home, the better it is for them, so they'll want to refer you to one of the best agents. But still do your research on the agents they recommend. This will determine if their referral is simply about maintaining an ongoing business relationship.

Attend Open Houses

If you're selling your home, open houses are a chance to see an agent in action. Go to one in your area. See how the agent interacts with potential buyers.

You can observe how knowledgeable they are about the property. A good agent will also go the extra mile. They'll stage the home attractively and may even have cookies and treats for an added touch. 

If you're buying, open houses can also be a good way to gauge a potential agent. You can see how personable they are and if they know a lot about the area.

Do Online Research

You can find a good agent online. But you'll need to do extensive research. It helps if prospective agents you find online are members of NAR.

This means they've agreed to abide by a Code of Ethics. Also, see if they meet the requirements below before making a final decision.

Things to Look for in a Great Agent 

All Pennsylvania real estate agents must have a license. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission issues them after the agent meets several requirements. Your agent should have one. This will indicate that they have the necessary qualifications to do real estate in the state.

However, a great agent has more than a license. They also have years of experience. 

A good sign may be the number of listings they have. Shortlist potential agents and do the following before making a final decision:

• Research

• Conduct interviews

• Ask for references and check them

In the end, it might come down to your instinct. Which agent do you feel the most comfortable with? Who communicates openly?

Meeting them can also tell you if they're passionate about seeking the best interest of their clients. If this describes one of the potential candidates on your list, chances are this is the best agent for you. 

The Best Agent to Meet Your Real Estate Needs

There are many real estate agents to choose from in Pennsylvania. But having more choices may not necessarily be a good thing. It will help to follow the guidelines above on how to find the best real estate agent.

This includes asking for recommendations, attending open houses, and doing online research. Once you narrow your list, you can check their qualifications. You should also get references and conduct interviews. This can help you determine if an agent can meet your needs. 

Palmer Realty is an agency that can. We've been in the real estate business since 1967. We have the expertise to sell your home or help you buy one. Contact us to get started today!