So, you’re ready to buy a new home. A real estate agent will be invaluable in navigating this complex process. When you begin looking over the best realtors® in Jupiter, these helpful tips will ensure you find the perfect agent for your real estate needs.
Start with Friends and Family Referrals
No matter how many signs you see for particular real estate agents, your best bet is always to start with your existing circle of friends, family and co-workers. There is no amount of advertising or online reviews that can replace a true in-depth recount of an actual experience someone you know has had with their particular agent. A verbal referral will open the door for you to ask specific questions and to get a feel for each agent before you ever pick up the phone.
Determine What Excellence Means to You
Your idea of what makes an excellent real estate agent may be completely different than the next person. Make a list of key needs that you expect your agent to fulfill prior to meeting with agents. This will help keep you on track and will guide your initial conversation with that agent.
Talk with Recent Clients
Many people are hesitant to ask an agent for referrals. This is something that should absolutely be done before committing to working with an agent. Remember, a home is likely the biggest purchase you will make in your life. Ask a potential agent directly to share a list of the homes they have sold over the past year with information for 2-3 buyers that you can contact.
Review Current Listing Volume and Listing Success
Review the homes that the agent currently has listed. These will be posted on their website and available on sites such as Effective Agents. An ideal agent will have enough listings to indicate that they are operating successfully, but they should not have such a high volume of listings that they won’t be able to allocate enough time to you. Also, ensure that the agent’s current listings are moderately similar to the area and price range that you desire. If you are looking for a starter home, an agent that lists million-dollar mansions won’t likely see you as a priority.
Gauge Area Knowledge
The best realtors® in Jupiter won’t only have knowledge about the housing market, but they will be able to provide in-depth information about things like:
• School systems
• Commuting times to specific areas of town
• Distance to essential destinations like medical facilities and grocery stores
• Recommendations on places that may be part of your lifestyle such as a gym, church or veterinarian.
Leaning on your real estate agent for this type of knowledge is especially helpful if you are relocating.
Verify the Agent’s License and Experience Level
Last but not least, double check that the agent’s state license is up to date. This is a simple enough task, but it is one that can lead to catastrophe if they are not properly licensed. Simply locate the website for your state’s real estate regulatory body and enter your potential agent’s name. This will confirm that they are properly licensed and will also bring up any official complaints or disciplinary measures involving that agent. Additionally, check the agent’s experience level. Unless you receive amazing referrals for a particular agent, a good rule of thumb is to ensure an agent has 5 years of experience. Agents with less than 5 years of experience will typically still be learning on you.
For more information on housing in Jupiter and other real estate news, check out 561area, your local guide to West Palm Beach!
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash
