5 Tips for Choosing a Good Real Estate Agent in Irvine California
You want the best when it comes to a real estate agent, especially when it comes to probate. Most sellers know they must look for a good listing agent when selling their property, but some go the friend or relative route, only so they don’t offend or hurt someone’s feelings. That thinking is what makes over-priced listings sit on the market far too long.
This is your house, investment, and profit; don’t let the fear of being offensive keep you from choosing the right agent. They may or may not get over it, but you can’t trust the sale of your property to your friend’s cousin’s half-brother just because they need a break and are “new at this.” Additionally, you may not want your friends or family to know everything about you and/or your finances.
Related: Who to turn to for Probate Advice
Using an experienced and skilled agent with top communication and probate training really helps in the process, but here are some other tips for choosing the right real estate agent for the job.
Ask around.
I’m not saying use “so-and-so” just because they’re friends but really ask about the integrity, honesty, and directness of agents that people have worked for in the past. What kind of service did they receive, and were they happy with the results? Get advice and then make a firm decision.
Interview potential agents.
Once you have a list of 3-5 agents, give them a call or find out where they will be working, either at an open house or the office. Great agents are rarely at the office. Ask about homes they have sold in the past and if you get a good feeling about them by their demeanor and attitude. Do they seem aggressive without being rude? Do they appear flaky and non-responsive?
Ask about communication.
This is a big one. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to tell me that this agent or that one did not call them back! Communication is crucial, and timing is essential in the real estate game. It could be the difference between getting the deal and not.
Ask how they will market the property.
“On the MLS, of course!” But, if it stops there, RUN. A great agent should be marketing everywhere! Any agent can input listings on the MLS. A great agent should have them on their website, print, social media, and in-person with local buyer’s agents. Will, there be open houses, the broker’s opens, and will your flyer box be well-stocked with great photos and a clear listing flyer? All of these are important factors to keeping a listing marketed, not just getting it listed.
Ask about negotiations.
Some agents will tell you to fix and replace everything before listing, potentially costing you thousands before you even list! On the other hand, some will tell you not to do anything and wait for an inspector to point it out if they do at all! A Great agent will find the issues that should be addressed before listing and advise to maybe wait on others. Being deceptive or spending unnecessarily are both signs of a poor agent.
Agents come and go, and every market has seen its fair share of both good and bad. If you’re ready for an agent that’s willing to do the work and be aggressive in the market with your probate property, call me anytime…. I’ll answer!