How to Verify Your Real Estate Agent’s Experience: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers
Regardless of whether you are a buyer or seller, using an experienced real estate agent is crucial to the success of your transaction. Yet, how do you know if the agent truly has the experience they claim? While there’s a case to be made that a new agent works harder and has the assistance of their broker, if you want a seasoned agent for a more complicated transaction, there are a few ways to verify they meet your expectations.
1. Check Their License and Credentials
The first step is to check their license and any accreditations they claim. All professional organizations keep membership records available to the public. Review these records to confirm their qualifications. Additionally, look into any disciplinary records or complaints against the agent to ensure their professional conduct is up to par.
2. Review Their Track Record
Ask for references and take the time to call them. Inquire about any challenges that occurred during the transaction and how the agent managed them. Request a printout of closed sales to see if they are handling the types of properties that are relevant to you. This can give you insight into their experience with similar transactions.
3. Ask Good Questions
During your conversations, ask the agent about the local market. A seasoned agent should be knowledgeable about the community, amenities, homeowners associations (HOAs), property values, and other local subjects. Their ability to provide detailed information on these topics is a good indicator of their experience and familiarity with the area.
4. Assess Their Communication Skills
Evaluate their communication skills during the interview process. Are you receiving clear and concise information? Are they attentive to your needs and responsive to your inquiries? Effective communication is essential in real estate transactions, and any issues you encounter early on are unlikely to improve once you hire them.
5. Understand Their Marketing Strategy
Request a detailed marketing strategy for your property. Ask questions about anything that seems unclear and understand why they are using various tools to sell your home. An experienced agent should be able to provide a comprehensive plan that effectively showcases your property to potential buyers.
Everyone starts somewhere, and there is no reason a brand-new agent isn’t the right choice for you, especially if you understand the support they are receiving from their broker. However, if you believe you are hiring a seasoned professional, these steps can help you verify their experience and ensure they meet your expectations. Taking the time to thoroughly vet your real estate agent can make a significant difference in the success of your transaction.