With the advancement of technology throughout the world, many industries and jobs have changed and/or moved online.  Real Estate is no exception, with online estate agencies popping up left, right and centre.  While some see value in the ability to operate and do things online, when it comes to buying or selling a home, most of us want to speak to a real person and go view the property and build a relationship with our Estate Agent of choice.

But how do you go about to choosing the right agent for you?

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUY

First things first, you need to have an idea of what you’re looking for.

Start by making your “wish list” of what you’re looking for and then whittle it down to the “must haves” ensuring that while you might not get everything on your “wish list” you do have a plan for the essential requirements.  While I imagine this to be an obvious one, you should also have some thoughts of the area in which you’re looking to buy.

With that sorted, you can now look at getting the right Estate Agent to find you your dream property.

There are a few key points to look at to establish whether the Agent is the right one for you:

1. 1.  How long have they been an Estate Agent and what length of time have they been working the specific area?
2. 2.  What is their familiarity with the area you’re looking at?
3. 3.  Do they have references you can contact?
4. 4.  What are their qualifications or what governing bodies do they belong to?

Be sure you’re happy and feel you can build a good relationship with them before committing to making use of their services.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO SELL

When you’re looking for an Estate Agent to sell your property, there are a few more points to consider aside from the ones mentioned above:

1. 1.  The valuation of your property. Estate Agents nowadays have a vast array of tools and knowledge to assist them in valuing your property and not over or under pricing it.  It is important for you and for your Agent to read the current market and what similar properties in the area are selling for.  Don’t be fooled by a very high valuation… if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.
2. 2.  How are they going to market your property? Ask for specifics like whether it’ll be online, in the papers or via show house etc.
3. 3.  Discuss their fee/commission and remember that this is negotiable. Having said that, remember that Estate Agents have studied and built a vast knowledge of the marketplace, area and property in order to best market and sell your home and their commission should reflect that.
4. 4.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the Agent is going to be working for you and so you need to be happy that they’re what you’re looking for.

With these few guidelines you should be able to find the perfect Estate Agent to guide and take care of your property needs and as with anything when you’re going to be spending money on, be sure that you’re happy with your decision before putting pen to paper.