How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Poway or other areas of San Diego, it’s important to know what to look for in a real estate agent. Not all real estate agents are created equal. That doesn’t mean that you should be wary of bad real estate agents (though they do exist!), but that you should know what you’re looking for in the service in order to find one that can get the job done according to your own needs. The following tips were curated to help you find the best real estate agent in the Poway and San Diego area.
Check For Licenses, Disciplinary Actions, Complaints, and Awards
Every state requires different licenses and certifications to be able to sell real estate. The likelihood of ending up with a real estate agent that isn’t licensed in your state is very slim, but it’s something you should always check out before you begin working with a new agent. It’s also a good idea to check for any disciplinary actions and complaints that previous clients may have. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your agent has any additional certifications that are needed to deal with the type of real estate you’re looking for.
This information is easy to find online and can save you tons of hassle later on if you find that an agent doesn’t work out for you. That being said, you should also look for any awards or honorable mentions that an agent may have received. This will give you a good idea about whether or not an agent is right for you.
Look At Current Listings
It’s a good idea to look at what a potential agent currently has listed to get a better look at what you can expect from them. If you’re interested in selling a mansion in La Jolla but your real estate agent primarily works with farming properties in Poway, it may be a good idea to find another agent. Obviously, you wouldn’t want a commercial agent to work on a residential listing, but there’s other things to consider before you choose the first residential agent you can find. This goes for both listing and buying, as you’ll want to find an agent that can speak for your needs and find the perfect place.
Gauge Their Knowledge of the Area
If you know the area that you’re looking for a new home in (or if you’re looking to list your home) take some time to ask a potential real estate agent about the area they’ll be working in. This is a good way to gauge whether or not they really know the area well. For example, you’ll want them to know about any specific zoning laws, information about local schools and services, as well as history about the area that may be relevant to prospective buyers.
Talk to Previous Clients
Before you begin working with a new agent, ask to see a list of their previous clients. Many agents will be able to supply this, and you can use the information to find out what previous clients thought of their agent and his or her work. This isn’t uncommon in the industry and can save you a lot of time and worry later on. Many agents will also have reviews, so be sure to check those out. Aside from giving you a good sense of how an agent works, this will give you an idea about what their expertise is in. If you’re working with real estate in Poway, for example, you’ll want to find an agent that’s highly experienced in that area and has a long history of happy clients.
