Successful agents are e ffi cient and take advantage of any time-saving tools that help sell your home, yet won’t be put o ff b y a long hunt. Tip 2: Find an Agent with Knowledge of the Area If the agent you’re considering hiring isn’t familiar with the area where you’d like to move, then you need to move on. A good real estate agent absolutely must be familiar with the area, including what the neighborhood is like, the ins and outs, the ups and downs, and especially about other properties in the area that a) have recently sold; and b) are currently available for sale. Even better, the agent should have knowledge about each particular property in the area that’s on the market. If he or she can o ff er spe cifi c details on these properties, then you know the agent is familiar with the area and can help you fin d not only a home that you’d like, but also help you snag a great deal. You de fin itely want to hire an agent who’s on top of the market. Tip 3: Research the Agent’s Level of Experience Even though it’s true that in the professional world, everyone needs to start somewhere, you will want the con fi dence that can only come if you’re working alongside a veteran experienced real estate agent. If this important matter hasn’t already come up in your initial contact and interview, just ask the agent directly. Th ere’s no shame in asking something that will have a big impact on your decision and your future homeownership experience. If you suspect the agent you’re considering isn’t as experienced as they let on, you can contact your state licensing authority, and generally they can tell you exactly how long an agent has been in business.
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