5 Tips for choosing a real estate professional

Donna McKeown is a true professional with over six years of experience in the Real Estate industry.  She’s sold hundreds of homes and has been fortunate to work with many wonderful clients while fostering lasting relationships with them.  Donna has built a full team of trusted professionals who share similar values including Attorneys, Inspectors, etc. that help ensure a stress-free and seamless experience for her clients.  During each real estate transaction, Donna comes in contact with many real estate agents and quickly realized they are not all created equal.  The best advice Donna could give future sellers or buyers would be to interview multiple agents before choosing the right one to fit your specific needs.  You wouldn’t go out and buy the first pair of shoes you try on, would you?  You may need something a little more sophisticated, with a higher heel, or more comfortable!

Here are 5 tips for you to consider when shopping for a real estate professional: 

1. Choose an agent who is an expert in the area/neighborhood you are interested in.  Find out if they are well-versed in the specific neighborhood you are looking to buy or sell in.  He or she should be able to tell you about the market trends in your area, what similar homes have been selling for, what’s been happening in the area around the neighborhood, etc. Ideally, he or she will have made consistent sales in the community. The more specialized and familiar your agent is with your neighborhood, the better. This means they will be able to offer you valuable local knowledge and local connections.
2. Check Zillow reviews.   Zillow reviews are the real deal.  They come directly from clients and are not altered in any way.  Look to see if recent clients are raving about the agent’s communication or listening skills. Did the agent help reach their goals?  Did they maintain a great rapport with the client?  Were they honest, trustworthy, and team players?
3. Personality.  You are going to be spending a lot of time with your agent. This means that you want to get along with them! You should enjoy talking to your agent, spending time with them, etc. Your communication styles will hopefully mesh, and you’ll be able to develop an enjoyable professional relationship with him or her. Besides these purely personal reasons, personality is important as your agent negotiates with potential buyers or sellers. A great agent is personable and approachable, able to work with all types of people.
4. Strategic Marketing Plan.  Now, more than ever, technology plays a huge part in the buying or selling process.  The ability to effectively market a home online through social media and paid campaigns is necessary.  Make sure the agent you choose will be taking professional photos and has a bulletproof system to market, launch, and list your home.  
5. The Extra Mile  The last thing that makes an agent stand out is their willingness to go above and beyond,  during the transaction and well after closing.  Will the agent be present for photography, help coordinate work that needs to be done, or host an amazing twilight open house.  Passion and enthusiasm are evident when you find an agent who loves what they do and can take your home sale to the next level.  

Finding the right agent that matches your criteria and shares the same values can make this milestone a pleasant and successful one.  

Recap:

• Check references and Zillow profile reviews
• Do your personality, communication style, and values align
• Check credentials and take note of specialty designations
• Observe social media presence 
• Look up current home listing photos, descriptions, and marketing
• Gauge the agent’s honesty and trustworthiness
• Note promptness in communication and attentiveness