What should I look for when selecting a real estate agent to help find an apartment rental?
There are a number of factors that go into finding a quality real estate agent. When searching for your next home, you’ll want to use the services of an agent who will have your interests in mind and work to find what you’re looking for at a fair price. Of course, if you can get a referral from a friend, family member or colleague who had a positive experience with an agent, that may be your best bet.
Ask Questions & Have A Conversation
When speaking with an agent for the first time, find out what he/she has available, ask questions about the process, test to see if he/she cares enough to spend time discussing your search and showing interest, knowledge and seems like someone you would want to work with. Finding your next home is an important event and should require a quality service provider to assist you.
Knowledge
A real estate agent should have the proper knowledge with respect to the search, application and move-in processes involved with finding a new home. In addition, the agent should be relatively familiar with the neighborhood, surrounding areas and local establishments and service providers in the vicinity. A great agent is skilled at educating his/her clients about every aspect of finding a home and navigating their new neighborhood.
Honesty / Trustworthiness
Determining honesty and trustworthiness is relatively difficult after one phone conversation or a series of emails, but if you’re experiencing a negative feeling early on in discussions with an agent, it may be wise to move on to find someone new. Likewise, if you have a positive first impression, it may be a good sign to move forward.
Advisor
A real estate agent is essentially a consultant for the process of finding a new home. He/she should be able to advise you on where to live, real estate pricing, how to submit the best application and life after you move in. In return for a broker fee, the agent should be assisting you throughout the entire process and provide you with quality service. Just like with any other advisory relationship, you should ultimately feel comfortable with the agent you’re working with and trust him/her to deliver a positive result.
