Car Credit supports the work of the Housing and Education Alliance, helping our low-income neighbors navigate the road to home ownership. Choosing a realtor is one of the most important decisions in the home buying process. Before looking for a real estate agent, remember that each agent has their area of expertise. To find the best agent for your needs, you must first identify those needs. Are you searching to buy a house or a condo, for example? What city or neighborhoods are you thinking of? What is your projected budget? You can always look for an agent with specific credentials if you’re looking for someone to represent you when buying a house.
First and foremost, get a mortgage pre-approval.
Home buyers may hire a real estate agent and begin their home search before speaking with a mortgage lender. However, it is prudent to consult with a lender first to determine how much you can afford.
Pre-approval for a mortgage informs you of the maximum amount you can borrow and identifies any issues that must be addressed early in the process. This allows you to limit your search to homes in your price range. Furthermore, it will demonstrate to agents (and sellers) that you are a serious buyer. In competitive markets, sellers will almost certainly require a pre-approval letter before even considering your offer.
Procure a recommendation from a friend
The best place to get a referral for a great real estate agent is from someone who has worked with them firsthand. If you’re relocating and need to be better connected in your new location, ask your new employer for a recommendation or begin your search with a real estate agent review site (such as Zillow, Yelp, or even Google).
However, it is unadvisable to use a close friend or family member as a real estate agent. The buyer’s or seller’s relationship with their agent is a business relationship that should be free of emotional attachments. If no friendship is at stake, the agent and the client will perform better.
Before Making a Decision, Interview the Agent
Be bold and ask questions about an agent’s experience and knowledge before committing to them. It will help you gauge their expertise and give you an idea of their personality and what it would be like to work with them. Before making a decision, interview at least two agents.
Here are some questions you should ask them.
- How familiar are you with this city or neighborhood?
Working with someone who is familiar with the area’s trends, schools, parks, and zoning is essential in real estate.
- How much of your business is generated by referrals?
Because satisfied homebuyers frequently recommend their agent, this is a good indicator of service quality.
- Are you a full-time agent, and how long have you been in the business?
Because of their greater experience, full-time agents may better understand market trends and have more negotiation experience.
- How many homes have you helped sell or buy in the last year?
A successful track record bodes well for your future purchase. The number of homes a full-time, active, and knowledgeable agent has helped buy or sell in a year will vary depending on the geographic region, home type, and budget range the agent works in. Still, in a densely populated city, the number should be between 12 and 18 per year.
- What do you expect from your client?
Each agent will work differently, and to be successful as a client, you must understand what your potential agent expects from you. This can range from communication to time commitment.
Find someone who is active and knowledgeable
When interviewing agents, it’s important to find out how long they’ve been in the business and whether they work in real estate full-time or part-time. “I’m concerned if someone does this as a side hustle,” experts say. What if they are not available when you go house hunting because they are working full-time, say experts?
You can also ask for a list of their recent transactions to see what areas and types of properties they have experience working with to get an idea of what type of experience someone has.
You’ll want someone who is familiar with the nuances of the local market in which you’re buying or selling. And having someone who lives close to where you’re buying or selling can be beneficial. “I would choose someone local, but it doesn’t have to be someone who lives in that subdivision,” says the expert. If your agent lives several hours away, their availability for last-minute showings may be limited.
Consider their experience
Some real estate professionals will be more experienced than others in dealing with specific buying and selling scenarios. First-time home buyers may require more assistance as they enter the market for the first time, while those relocating will require a real estate agent who understands the nuances of a city, its neighborhoods, and lifestyles.
Whether you’re downsizing, looking to buy a foreclosure, or ready to start a family, you’ll want to work with a real estate agent who has worked with similar buyers and sellers in the past. Make sure your agent does not typically represent condo sales if you’re selling a single-family home.
Look into their reputation.
Read their reviews, not just the ones on their website. What do customers think about their relationships, process, helpfulness, knowledge, and responsiveness? Client reviews can be found on websites such as Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Google, and Yelp.
You’ll also want a well-connected agent, as many sales are made through agent networks. You can look for awards and designations they have, especially if they are local to where you are looking. You can also ask how a potential real estate agent uses their connections to make sales or find listings.
Follow your instincts
Agents’ ability to guide you smoothly through the process is just as important as their knowledge and experience. Above all, choose an agent you trust and will feel at ease with if the road to closing becomes rocky.
A Realtor is your best bet when house hunting, but the next time you’re in the market for a vehicle, be sure to make Car Credit your first stop. Friendly, knowledgeable sales associates will guide you every step of the way. Visit any of the Car Credit locations to begin your car shopping.
CAR CREDIT EAST TAMPA
3923 E. Hillsborough Ave.
Service: 813-232-6100
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 9:30AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT HOLIDAY
2008 US Hwy 19 North
Service: 727-939-1555
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT NORTH WEST TAMPA
2902 W. HIllsborough Ave
Service: 813-874-0102
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT RUSKIN
108 N US Hwy 41
Sales: 813-645-0111
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
