Are you ready to buy or sell a house? If yes then you will need the services of a real estate agency. Hiring one can minimize hassles for both buyers and sellers. Buyers will also get access to a wide range of good properties within their budget by choosing a good agency. If you are yet to choose an agency then here are three tips you can consider for doing so.
- Consider industry experience.
If you can find an agency with extensive industry experience, there is no reason for you to not hire it instead of a new one. Agencies with more experience are likely to have better property options in their listings. They are also more likely to have resources to better serve their clients. For instance, they may utilize home inspections to find good properties for their listings. They are less likely to show their clients just about any house or office space.
Many agencies leave it to their clients to conduct inspections and determine if a property is worth it or not. No doubt, prudent buyers and sellers conduct inspection at their end too. But imagine hiring an agency that has more problematic properties available for showings than good ones.
Agencies with extensive experience will also be better able to handle crises such as buyers or sellers backing out at the last moment, change in regulations, issues with paperwork etc. When hiring an agency, you are better off with one with good experience at least (if not extensive).
- Check specializations and properties.
You can easily find websites of real estate agencies operating in your area via simple online searches. It is an easier way to check the kind of properties an agency deals in and what is available with them.
An agency dealing in residential properties may only specialize in apartments. Similarly, an agency dealing in commercial real estate may deal in warehouses or luxury offices. Some agencies may specialize in 2-3 different categories such as villas, condos, and apartments.
When you are visiting the websites, don’t stop just at their profiles and read only about their specializations. Check the properties available with them too.
Agencies showcase properties in their listings on their websites. You can have a look at them by using details such as location, type, size, price etc. Doing so will allow you to actually see if the agency in consideration actually has a wide range of properties to show or not.
Checking the properties out will also help you identify good agencies from not-so-good ones. You can actually identify houses or office you like and make a note of them. You can approach the agencies based on the properties you already like. It will save your time. It will lead you to the right agency as well.
- Inquire about the fees.
When you contact the agencies, do not neglect to ask them about their fees. Most agencies charge a commission on the final sale price. But some agencies also work on a flat fee.
Commissions can be in the range of 5-6 percent of the final price the buyer pays. The flat fee can be more or less. So, you will need to see what works best for your budget.
When considering the fees as a hiring decision, keep other afore-mentioned factors in mind too. The aim, of course, is to find a reputable agency that will deliver within your budget in every sense. But they must also meet other requirements such as showcasing you good properties or finding you financially-viable buyers.
Use these three tips to easily find a good real estate agency.