When you’re buying or selling a house, it’s an exciting experience for anyone. The whole process is enhanced by a good real estate agent in Marbesa who knows the ins and outs of the market.

But how to choose? There are Realtors and just plain real estate agents, part-time and full-time agents, family friends who are in the business, maybe even neighbours down the street. Which one is right for you?

Will you choose to work with a top agent who is experienced and trustworthy and can go a long way in ensuring that you buy for the best price in the market? Of course! But where do you find them?

What is the difference Between Realtors and Real Estate Agents?

An agent is an individual who has obtained a state license to assist consumers in buying or selling properties. Realtors are agents who have gone one step further - they've also become members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). All Realtors are licensed to sell real estate as agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors.

What to search for in a real estate agent?

The best real estate agent is an experienced professional who listens to your concerns and knows their market. That person might not necessarily work at the largest brokerage, close the most transactions, or make the most money.

Real estate professionals have a saying that 20% of the agents do 80% of the business. Your goal is to find one among that 20% to work for you, but it's not as challenging as you might think.

How do you find the best real estate agents in Marbesa?

1. Search Online for Agent Listings - plenty of websites can refer agents to you, but that's no assurance of quality.

2. Research the top real estate companies in your area - go to those websites and look up profiles of individual agents at offices near you. Make a list of agents that you resonate with looking at their experience.

3. Attend Open Houses - You can meet real estate agents in a working environment such as going to open houses. Collect business cards and make notes about the agents you meet.

4. Track Neighborhood Signs - Pay attention to the for-sale listing signs in and around your neighbourhood. For sure you will notice when the listings are up and when they disappear or a "sold" banner is slapped on it instead. Look for the agent!

5. Check Out Print Advertisements - Real estate agents run advertisements for two reasons: they want to sell specific real estate and they want to promote themselves.

6. Ask for recommendations - for sure you have family or friends that already have sold or bought a property. Ask them for help!

The referral is best. There's no bigger compliment to an agent than a referral from a past client. Ask homeowners who they would recommend. If you know the area you want to purchase in or sell your home in, there will be an expert in that area.

How do I know the real estate agent is good for me?

Look for details of their experience, but don't necessarily rule out newbies. They might have more time to spend with you. Just be sure to look for client reviews or comments.

• Always ask an agent for a list of recent references.
• Ask each agent you’re considering how they plan to help you find the perfect home
• Note how an agent responds to your inquiry
• Ask the agents you’re considering to provide a list of their recent sales, not just a general number of sales or sales volume.
• Choose The Person, Not The Experience - You will be spending a lot of time with that agent and you need to mesh. Choose someone relatable and real. Choose for you, not for the house.
• Chemistry is key - It's best to interview at least three agents before picking the one you work with. Focus on neighbourhood expertise; look for hyperlocal.
• Track Record And Inventory - Great real estate investment sales brokers never show up out of nowhere. It takes a long time to build a track record that attracts quality inventory.