In the booming real estate sector, agents play a vital role. Even before I managed to become a competitive player, I had a chance to get to know many of them. So, let me give you some heads up: Poor experience with a real estate agent is one of the main reasons why companies lose business.
It is also a culprit behind many missed opportunities and a truckload of shabby deals. Property hunters and homeowners can both suffer due to lack of knowledge or awareness in this department. Here are some telltale signs you should keep a close eye on.
Lousy Communication
In business and life, lack of communication is never a good thing. And when you mean to strike gold in the property market, it is more than just a frustration, as it turns into a major hurdle on the path to your goals. Of course, a real estate agent cannot be available 24/7, but not reaching back for the whole day is simply not acceptable. Ideally, agents should use several channels of communication, including SMS, messaging apps, email, etc.
Lack of legwork
Now, let us be a bit more specific. Reputable agents tend to provide guidance during all stages of the buying or selling process. This support usually includes the advice on the proper ways to stage or price the home. In any event, preparing the property for sale is not something that a respectable real estate can afford to forgo. No property is perfect and addressing the drawbacks and faults is best handled before the negotiations.
Smartphone-level operator
A great Clermont real estate agent is not hard to come by, but there are also those that deliver subpar results. I once hired a guy who seemed trustworthy at first, but then he used a smartphone to capture pictures of my home. At first, I thought that was a common practice, but I soon realized that it is a far cry from it. Nowadays, high-quality interior images can really make a difference and grab the attention of a buyer.
Limited marketing skills
This brings us to the point of marketing. Namely, do not settle for agents who fail to give you samples of their marketing efforts. Beyond everything else, your home should be easy to find online. This is essential as the bulk of buyers utilize the internet during their search for a perfect target. In case there are no traces of promotional activity, you can only hope that in-house and word-of-mouth promotion is taking place.
Experience deficit
Experience level is one of the most surefire ways to gauge the agent’s expertise and credibility. Success does not happen overnight, and true agents know that they have a long row to hoe. Therefore, seek professionals who know the local market like the palm of their hand. Asking about the number of annual closed deals and years that they have worked in the community can shed some more light on the background and experience.
Aggressiveness
After a few years in the business, I learned a valuable lesson: It is preferable to steer away from agents who are overly aggressive or pushy in their approach. They are most likely desperate to close a deal and do not have the client’s best interest in mind. It goes without saying that being pressured into commitment is not a sound course of action, so try to sniff out unrealistic promises and cocky, know-it-all individuals.
Murky reputation
Good reputation always speaks volumes about a professional. Moreover, agents rely on it as the main tool to acquire clients and climb up the career ladder. This is to say that it pays off to ask around and see if your friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues have any recommendations and insights. Complaints and horror stories about agents should be taken seriously, as a sign that it might be a wise decision to move on and look harder.
The good, the bed, and the ugly
People are always on the lookout for professionals who facilitate the property transactions. The choices matter and often make a difference between a total disaster and a lucrative bargain. Hence, it is highly advisable to do the homework before making a commitment on any deal. Work with professional individuals and teams regardless of whether you are on the buying or the selling side. Cover all the bases, proceed with caution, and keep your options open. Read more with this real estate marketing plan.
