A great real estate agent is the best investment you can make in your home buying or selling process. They are able to make all the different parts move at the same time to ensure that the whole operation goes smoothly. However, there are plenty of agents to choose from, so you might be wondering how to identify a great one. Before you start the buying or selling process, interview multiple agents to find the perfect one. Here are nine qualities that you should look for in your real estate agent. 

Knowledge is power, and the most powerful real estate agent will have a good handle on what is happening in the local market. In addition, they should understand what is going on currently in the world of real estate. When an agent stays up to date on the trends of the market, they will be better able to advise you on financial decisions as well as negotiate on specific terms. An agent who understands the local market can easily determine listing prices, find your ideal home, and create an effective marketing strategy.

Strong communication skills are essential for a real estate agent. Not only are you going to need to communicate with them frequently about preparing your house for sale or finding what you are looking to buy, but they will also need to communicate with the seller or with potential buyers. Look for an agent who has good eye contact, asks productive questions, and is a patient listener. Buying or selling a home can feel stressful, but it can alleviate a lot of stress when you have an agent who communicates well. An agent who can’t communicate well can add a lot of stress to the whole ordeal.

You will know if an agent has an engaging personality because they will win you over instantly. Real estate agents are in the business of working with people, so they should be able to make people feel comfortable and at ease. A friendly personality can help with winning over potential buyers as well as negotiating with them in a cordial way. People will want to work with them just because they are fun and nice to be around. A great attitude and confidence in your abilities go a long way when it comes to real estate. 

Successful real estate agents know how to put a house on show and make it more marketable and attractive. They have a problem-solver mindset that helps them come up with creative solutions to any problems or issues that might arise. Selling or buying a house always comes with unexpected problems. When you are able to trust that your agent is going to come up with solutions, you don’t have to worry so much that there will be issues. In addition, they will be creative with the problems you give them, such as a specific budget, unique qualities in a house you want, or a hard deadline. 

Everyone knows that buying and selling both come with a time to negotiate. If you haven’t negotiated much before, then you absolutely need a great real estate agent in your corner. They negotiate daily on offers on various houses, repair deals, and more. It’s so important that negotiation is one of the first skills that real estate agents need to learn. Someone who is friendly, pleasant, and passionate is going to get a better deal than someone who is subdued and passive. If they can easily convince you to hire them as your agent, they will probably be able to negotiate a good deal for you too.

The real estate business is full of little details and fine print. Therefore, having a sharp eye can help a real estate agent be more successful. Not only do they need to remember all the small stuff that you are looking for in a home, but they also have to read contracts in full and never miss the fine print. Good attention to detail includes showing up early, dressing professionally, and noticing all the small stuff in a house that might stop the buyers from putting down an offer. 

It goes without saying that an experienced agent can probably do more for you than a brand-new agent. Someone who is experienced is practiced in negotiation, understands the local market, and comes off as more confident. They’ve even seen the problems that can come up in the buying and selling process and already know how to handle most issues for buyers and sellers. Moreover, an experienced agent should have a website and social media presence that ensures more potential buyers will see your home. 

Imagine hiring an agent who knows about an upcoming development that ends up being your dream home. Find an agent who has good connections in the local community and already knows about the news of upcoming developments before it becomes common knowledge. You can get their advice on areas that might be an investment that can change your life. They can also prevent you from buying a home in an area that is about to get a new, busy road right next to it. 

Good marketing is the key to selling a home fast. It’s ideal to find an agent who has marketing experience and knowledge. They should use both traditional forms of marketing, like newspapers and mailers, as well as digital marketing, including social media and online listings. When your agent can find professional photographers and videographers who will make your listing look more desirable, you will be overwhelmed with buyer demand, and you can sell your home for more. 

With an expert New Canaan real estate agent on your side, selling or buying a home will be a breeze. If you are ready to get started, reach out to Laura Danforth.