With the economy finally growing again, and competitive mortgage rates and affordable real estate prices now available, there’s no better time than now to purchase a house. But if you’re a first-time buyer, finding a new home can seem like a huge and daunting task. According to statistics, 33% of buyers in 2014 were first-time buyers, with a median age of 31.
Luckily, if you’re a first time buyer, you don’t have to be in this alone. In a 2014 survey, 88% of home buyers made their purchase through a real estate agent or broker, and according to 98% of those individuals, the decision was a positive one, as the agents and brokers were viewed as a viable source for information.
But how to find good real estate agents? Within the United States, the Real Estate License Law Officials estimate that there are 2 millions individuals with active licensees in the country. With so many options to choose from, finding a good real estate agent can seem near impossible. Worry not, we’re here to help.
One of the first things to do when choosing a real estate agent is to find someone local that has been referred to you by a friend, family member, or someone within your community. In fact, a little less than 50% of recent home buyers report that they found their real estate agent through a referrals. Referrals serve as built-in reviews, as you can probe a close friend or family member for the filtered, honest details about their services. This is also good because it makes the pool of potential agents smaller, narrowing it down to only local real estate agents.
When narrowing down your choices, another factor to think about when choosing a real estate agent is their specific credentials. In addition to their basic real estate license, many agents seek furthering licensing and certifications, qualifying them for specific kinds of real estate endeavors. For example, those with SRES certifications are Senior Real Estate Specialists, and focus on finding homes for individuals over the age of 65.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, look at the agents’ current listings online. This will help you get a feel for the kinds of homes they typically buy and sell, and will help you establish their general vibe. If you’re looking for a split level ranch style, you don’t want an agent that exclusively sells 3 story victorians!
Choosing a real estate agent can be difficult, but once you tackle these initial steps, the rest of the process should be an exciting endeavor. Before going into your venture, be sure to know your price point, as well as exactly what you’re looking for. You’ll have the home of your dreams in no time!
