Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Picking a real Estate Agent is overwhelming for a lot of people. The majority of consumers choose the agent whose Zillow ad shows the largest number of “recent sales” in the sidebar as they browse for their dream home late at night instead of sleeping.

It is true that Wisdom comes with experience. A more seasoned professional will probably be able to foresee problems before they arise, and they usually exude that confidence that makes people instantly want to trust them. However, consider this. A New Real Estate Agent has everything to prove, and everything to gain by giving excellent service. A new agent does not yet have an established referral business, repeat clients, and a reputation in his neighborhood. Success in this business rides almost entirely on positive reviews, and referrals. Moreover, a real estate agent doesn’t get paid until his job is completed and the house is purchased or sold successfully. At the start of his career, he has no money coming in whatsoever, and still has marketing and MLS expenses and the cost of operating his business. He will be 10x as driven to provide you with a positive experience, because 1 bad review before an agent has 20 good ones, can crush a career before it begins. And his future success depends upon your positive experience with him.

Additionally, a more seasoned agent will most likely have a lot more on his plate. He might not be as available to you as a newer agent with fewer clients to juggle. You will be the #1 priority if you pick a new agent. Moreover, a busier, experienced agent will have income coming in from various transactions and won’t be as dependent upon you for his bread and butter, which means that if he loses your business, it’s not the end of the world. For a new agent, you are essential, and he will go out of his way to keep you happy.

Another reason why choosing a newer, younger agent might be good for you, is that, let’s face it, he will probably be more tech savvy. This means he will always have his cell phone nearby, and will be accessible via text virtually all the time. He might be better at marketing using a variety of social media outlets, and he will most likely not go to bed at a reasonable hour, meaning that you will probably be able to reach him 24 hrs a day. He hasn’t learned to shut his phone off at a certain hour, like his older counterpart;)

Of course, use common sense. Regardless of experience, you want an agent who strikes you as honest, straightforward, and professional, and someone who you feel comfortable with. Buying or selling a home is an emotional and personal experience. Pick someone you want around you through the highs and lows, and someone whom you don’t mind letting into your life a bit. You will have to let your agent get to know some personal things about you and your family, from your financial situation, your style preferences, and your reasons for buying and selling, whether it is because your family is growing, or you are going through a divorce, or you are experiencing financial hardship, or the loss of a loved one… Pick an agent who shows you understanding and consideration, and whom you don’t mind spending time with, as real estate transactions are not always short and sweet.

Unfortunately, there are incompetent agents, old and new. And there are agents who will provide you with a superior experience, regardless of their experience. Don’t be afraid to interview a few, and pick the agent whom you feel is best for you. Good luck!