Buying or selling a home is a huge decision, which is why you need a great real estate agent to help you through the process. There are a huge number of real estate agents vying to secure your business, and finding the right one can feel difficult. First, you need to navigate through online ads, postcards, yard signs, and personalized pens. Follow these tips to find the best Real Estate Agents Denver.
If you are buying . . . talk to a lender first
Although most people tend to hire an agent first, sometimes it can be better to talk to a lender. This will allow you to know how much you can afford, and let you move more quickly into the process of finding a home. This will also show sellers that you are serious and ready to put down an offer.
Get referrals
Friends and family members are the best places to go for a realtor referral. If they had a good experience with an agent previously, then you will most likely be able to trust that they will do a good job with you, too.
Look for accreditations
The term “REALTOR®” can only be used if someone is a member of the National Association of Realtors (known as NAR). This means that they will legally need to abide by the group’s code of ethics. Some real estate agents may also have certifications to show that they’ve completed additional training.
These might include:
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Handling residential real estate.
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative): Representing buyers in transactions.
- SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Helping buyers and sellers aged 50 and older.
- CPRES (Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist): Assisting in probate purchase and sales.
Research online
An online presence is important to note before working with a real estate agent. Look at their website, their social media accounts, and reviews online. One negative review won’t mean much, but more might be a red flag. You can also check with the State of Colorado’s real estate regulator to find out if an agent is licensed or has any disciplinary actions.
Request references
Ask for references regarding homes that have been listed and sold in the past year. This should include contact information for recent clients. This should also allow you to call these clients and ask about the support that was given by the real estate agent throughout their buying or selling process. Be sure to ask if they would want to hire that agent again in the future.
Review your contract carefully
Your contract should hold information about everything you have already discussed with your real estate agent. This should include commission, closing costs, and all other aspects. When it comes to commission, typically the seller pays 5 to 6% of the sales price of the home to their agent. This then will be split with the buyer’s agent. This is negotiable but typically will not fall under 5%.
Contact us today for more tips, or to learn about how we can help you in your real estate transactions.
