Selling or buying a home — especially in San Francisco — is a big endeavor. Usually, there is a lot at stake, such as finances, time, and finding your dream home. This is why it’s important to work with an experienced real estate agent who knows the local market inside and out.
You already know that you need to find a home buyer or a seller, but what about finding the right real estate agent who fits your particular needs? A good place to start is searching for a real estate agent who contains the following five qualities:
An initial consultation is an important part of the home buying or selling process, since your real agent will be working with you from start to finish and is the person who will be helping you find a place that you can call home!
An experienced real estate agent knows that an initial consultation is just as important to the agent as it is to the client, and will therefore offer this service free of charge. It’s important for an agent to take the time and have the expertise to ensure that a consultation with a potential client will be beneficial, even if you don’t end up working together long term.
It may be hard to believe, but not all real estate agents are familiar with their local real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, working with an agent who lives in the area gives you access to someone who is truly “in the know”. It’s even better when the real estate agent has worked in the area for several years.
Choosing an experienced, local agent also means that your agent will understand the particular ins and outs of the local real estate market. They will have experienced the market during times of economic boom, decline, and stability— and will know how to act accordingly. This will save you time and money and will help you achieve the best return on your investment.
A qualified real estate agent is organized, transparent, and responsive. They will make time for you and will never make you feel like you are not a priority. Look for a real estate agent who has good references, an excellent track record, and a reputation that they’re proud of.
Having efficient project management skills means keeping track of appointments, securing open houses, arranging meetings and showings, and offering any additional real estate services you may require.
Whether you are buying or selling, expert negotiation skills are required to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that everyone is satisfied. No one wants to find the home of their dreams, or find the perfect buyer, only to lose it all due to negotiation errors.
A good real estate agent will have testimonials from past clients stating that the negotiation process went well. They will have references and excellent communication skills. You want to work with an agent who will get you the best deal possible without making anyone feel like they’ve been cheated. With a good real estate agent, everybody wins.
If you can find a real estate agent that works with a team of other agents, you’ve hit the jackpot. Real estate teams, like SFhotlist and Keller Williams San Francisco, have agents that specialize in all aspects of real estate. So if you ever have a need that is unique to your situation, there will be someone on the team who can help.
At SFhotlist and Keller Williams San Francisco, we embody all of the very best qualities you can find in a real estate agent. Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Reach out! We’d love to help.
