Buying a house isn't a small feat. It is probably the most significant financial decision you'll ever make. Once you're ready to buy a house, hiring an experienced real estate agent is the first step to an easy and successful home buying process.
While there is no shortage of realtors on the Sunshine Coast, finding the best one from the mix is often overwhelming. A wrong real estate agent can make or mar your homebuying experience.
You will want an experienced professional to work with, seeing as you can't afford to go with a person just winging it. While the thought of sorting through the numerous real estate agents in Sunshine Coast is discouraging, we have put together this guide to help you make the best realtor choice when searching for Sunshine Coast apartments for sale. Read this article to the end to learn more about the right realty!
Start Within Your Network
According to research by OutboundEngine, the primary source of client generation for real estate agents is referrals from previous clients.
As a first-time homebuyer, consider asking your family or friend for a referral. However, note that you mustn't work with any realtor you are referred to, especially if you don't feel convinced they're what you need.
You might want to ensure the realtor you end up with has extensive knowledge of the Sunshine Coast local market. That way, your house hunting journey will not only be easy but fast.
Search Online
Presently, Millennials and Gen Z are leveraging the power of the net to find the right Sunshine Coast agents in their neighbourhood of interest. Consider doing the same seeing as estate agencies now have a web presence to make the work easier. You can view already listed houses on their website or talk to your preferred agent to help narrow down your search.
Research Potential Candidates
After getting referrals from your friends and family, it would be best to check if the referred real estate agent on Sunshine Coast maintains a social media account and website. Ensure to check their reviews, especially the bad ones. If they are more than two, move on to the next referred realtor.
Don't forget to check your state's real estate agencies' regulator to discover if the realtor has faced any disciplinary action or is licensed. Also, check the Better Business Bureau website to find out if there have been complaints about the agent.
However, before searching for the right agent to help you find the best Sunshine Coast apartments for sale, ensure you create a list of must-have features you want in the home.
Request And Check References
You might want to ask your preferred agent to provide information on properties they have recently sold and the contact information of those property owners.
Call the clients and inquire about their experiences and the type of support the realtor gave them throughout the home buying process.
Don't forget to ask them if they will use the same real estate agent again for their next transaction.
Hire Someone You Like
You would be spending lots of time with your Realtor while searching for the best Sunshine Coast apartments for sale, so it's pertinent to go with someone you like.
Even if the Realtor ticks your boxes, ask yourself if they're somebody you'll love working with. Is the agent relatable? Do they look like they can reduce my stress throughout the search?
Can I Purchase A Property Without Using An Agent?
Yes, you can buy a house without a real estate agent. However, if you are a first-time homebuyer, you might want to reconsider working with an agent when trying to purchase Pelican Waters houses for sale.
Some home sellers on Sunshine Coast might be skeptical of selling their house to you if you aren't working with an agent, especially as a first-time buyer, because they understand you don't have adequate knowledge of the market and housing costs.
Therefore, it's best to ignore the 3% commission and work with a pro for a fast and seamless real estate purchase.
Vital Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent You Are Considering Hiring
Will You Represent My Interests?
It's wrong to assume that any agent you hire will represent your interest alone. In some cases, agents aren't legally bound to represent only the seller or buyer in a transaction.
For instance, a transactional or dual agent works for both the seller and buyer without having any fiduciary responsibility to them.
It would be best to ask your prospective agents if they'll represent your interests solely and request a written agreement that discloses the arrangement.
What Training And Experience Do You Have?
Enquire how long the realtor has been working with clients. Also, ask about the recognition and training they have. Ensure you look for an agent with an excellent track record of seamless and successful transactions.
Will You Or Your Assistants Work With Me?
Most rental agents on Sunshine Coast have assistants and team members working for them. Ask if you'll be working more with the assistants or them. While there's nothing wrong with working with an efficient team, ensure you can easily ask for the agent when you want.
How Much Will You Be Paid?
Typically, the seller pays the agent commission (within 3 to 6% of the total sales price), which is shared between the buyer's agent and the listing agent.
You can ask for a portion of the agent's commission or rebate, depending on the agent.
Were Recent Clients Satisfied?
In line with what we said earlier, you might want to ask the past clients how it was working with the agent. The truth is, no realtor will tell you they have unsatisfied customers. Therefore, it rests on you to find out by contacting their previous clients.
The Right Realty
Finding the right real estate agent when searching for the best Sunshine Coast apartments for sale can be tiring and time-consuming, but the due diligence and effort are worth the stress.
The right real estate agent can hasten the homebuying process, negotiate in your best interest, and save you lots of stress and time. Lastly, if you need help getting your finances in order before embarking on the process, a great and seasoned real estate agent is all you need.
