There has been a significant boom in the real estate industry in recent years. A lot of people are buying new houses instead of living in rental properties.
Despite its growing popularity, buying a new house is no easy feat. For most people, it is the biggest financial decision of their life. It should be done right at all costs. Any mistakes can be devastating.
Most people consult a real estate agent in their area to buy a new property. When you search for one, there is no shortage of vying real estate agents. There are so many options to choose from and it is normal to feel confused.
Here are 8 important tips to find the best real estate agent in Harlingen TX.
1. Seek Suggestions From Lenders
Lenders are a crucial part of house buying. Most experts recommend bringing them in the equation much earlier. Discuss the mortgage possibilities with a lender before you dive into the home search.
Lenders can also provide valuable information about the local real estate agents. Consult with a lender to stick to the homes in the right price range.
2. Request Referrals
Your friends and family members can provide you honest information about their experiences with real estate agents. Ask about any recent hiring and details of how good the experience was.
If you are buying a home for the first time, look for people who have recently bought their first home. Get some names and create a list.
3. Learn Realtor Vs Real Estate Agent
Most of the first time buyers never realize the difference between realtors and real estate agents. All realtors are licensed to work as real estate agents. On the other hand, less than 50% of the real estate agents are not licensed as realtors.
Realtors are pledged to follow the NAR (National Association of Realtors) code of ethics. If you are looking for high levels of conduct, look for a realtor.
4. Research The Ground Facts About Potential Candidates
Once you created a list of potential real estate agents or realtors, it is time to check the ground facts. Begin with the credentials.
Check the local business directories and official websites for basic credentials. Is the agent licensed and insured? If you are looking for a realtor, check the documentation confirming the association with the National Association of Realtors.
5. Interview The Top Three Real Estate Agents
Examine the online presence for reviews and ratings. Pick the ones with top ratings and some good reviews. One or two bad reviews are not alarming. It is essential to interview a real estate agent before signing a contract.
Ask questions about the local market and their certifications. Some realtors have specialized in certain fields and have certifications. A realtor designated as CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) is the best choice for buying a residential property.
6. Check the References
Request references from each agent. If a real estate agent is reluctant in providing names of previous customers, search for another one. A reliable agent would always provide you a list of references.
Take out some time to meet or call previous customers and talk about their experience. Discuss the difficulties they had to face during the process.
7. Extensive Research on Reputation
Check the online reputation thoroughly. Search for any prominent news about the realtor. If there are any serious allegations, drop the idea of hiring them. Search for “Professional Realtor near Harlingen TX” and start again.
You must pay close attention to the contract. It should spell out all the terms and conditions.
Provided by When To Contact a Realtor to Sell Your House
