Whether you are looking to sell your home or buy a new one, you most definitely want to work with a professional real estate agent but finding the right agent for you may seem impossible. And, it’s important to remember to work with someone who comes with recommendations and a drive to really work for you.

Let me share four tips to finding a great real estate agent.

Primarily, you want to make sure that you feel 100% comfortable with the agent you select, because you could be working with them for a few months. That’s why it’s important to take some time to find the right agent for you.

So, let’s dive in and find out more about our four tips to finding a great real estate agent.

Beginning with number one, which is check with your mortgage lender.

NUMBER ONE: CHECK WITH YOUR MORTGAGE LENDER

The first step in buying a new home is to get a pre-approval so you know how much you qualify for. Your mortgage lender is the perfect person to ask for recommendations for great real estate agents. Mortgage lenders work with real estate agents on a daily basis, and they know who is good and will look out for you and your best interest. Ask them who they’d work with.

NUMBER TWO: ASK WHAT SERVICES ARE INCLUDED

If you are looking for an agent to sell your home, then be sure to get a list of everything that they are going to do for you, including listing, marketing, showing, and staging. Be sure to find out about any additional costs and who will pay for them. Ask what they are going to do to list and market your property. Do they produce the listing price for you and if so, what is it based on? Also, find out if they will be doing open houses or if you are responsible for that. And of course, the better your house looks, the more it may sell for.

NUMBER THREE: KNOW THE COMMISSION

On average, real estate agents charge anywhere from 5% to 6% of the sales price. Typically, the seller will pay the commission fee as part of their closing costs, so as a homebuyer, you are not paying this fee. The seller’s agent, which is the agent the seller has contracted with then splits the commission with the buyer’s agent, which is the homebuyer’s agent.

In addition to being compensated for their time and service, real estate agents use their commission to pay brokerage fees and marketing expenses to promote listings. A seller may negotiate the commission, but remember, that often in life, you get what you pay for, so getting that commission down, may have an adverse affect on how your property is prompted. Be smart about this.

NUMBER FOUR: REVIEW THE CONTRACT CLOSELY

Not all real estate contracts are the same. You want to know what contract you need and your rights. If you are selling your home, you want to know what type of contract or listing agreement you have.

Finding the right real estate agent for you, will make the entire process much easier and less stressful. If you need help along the way with recommendations or information, be sure to check with your lender. They are always happy to help!

Thanks for watching! This is Michael Anthony O’Connor with Community Home Funding if there is anything we can do to help you in the process of finding a great real estate agent, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our contact information is listed below.

Michael Anthony O’ Connor
President | Mortgage Broker
Certified Veterans Lending Specialist
Community Home Funding, Inc.
NMLS# 254139
CA DRE: 01149902
(833) 444- 3464