The right Estate Agent in London might be able to get you into your dream home.
Consider the real estate process: there’s time spent researching neighborhoods, searching for homes that match your budget (and your lifestyle), negotiations on price and repairs, and the commitment level of making one of the biggest purchases of your life. If going it alone sounds scarier than entering a haunted house at midnight, you might need more information about how to choose a real estate agent.
A great estate agent in london can help you navigate every step, with advice and connections to make getting to the closing table that much easier. And especially in hot real estate markets like London, experienced agents can help you beat out the competition to buy or sell a home, and even save you money in the process. The trickiest part is finding that trustworthy agent, which is why we polled some of the top agents on Trulia about their tips to find and choose an agent who will match your personal needs.
7 Tips for Choosing a Good Estate Agent in London
Interview the agent and check their references.
Has your agent worked with buyers or sellers with similar needs? Do they have specific insights on your neighborhood? If you’re relocating to a different state, your agent will be one of the few people who can tell you about the neighborhood you’re looking to move to, and will need to know your lifestyle and needs before jumping in.
Checking the agent’s references may be more important than you think. While your initial interview with your real estate agent should be thorough, a lot can be inferred from the way their references answer one simple question. “Would you be willing to work with that agent on your next home purchase or sale?” If the answer is yes, you’re most likely in the clear. Any hesitation? It’s probably a good idea to ask why and dig a bit deeper to check the agent’s history.
Understand their communication style.
You won’t want to chase down your agent for crucial updates. Ask your agent’s references if they ever struggled to get their agent on the phone or have questions answered by e-mail.
The way an agent handles themselves during negotiations can make or break a deal. If you feel that your agent is confident enough to turn down a deal that they believe isn’t in your best interest, that’s a great sign. “A good agent knows how to understand the parties’ needs and how to bring a deal together without getting in the way,” says Amanda Jones, real estate agent with Compass in San Francisco, CA. “I also think that a good agent will help a buyer to walk away when it gets too heated. Sometimes silence is a great negotiation tactic.”
Ask about their negotiation tactics.
Your agent should be able to guide you to a successful sale or purchase, including providing suggestions for offers (and counteroffers), strategies for competitive markets, and any contingencies you’ll need in order to make it to the closing table.
Look into their credentials.
Some agents have certifications in addition to a real estate license: a certified residential specialist (CRS) has specific training for residential real estate transactions; an accredited buyer’s representative (ABR) designation means they completed training to represent buyers.
Ask them about their network.
A stellar agent has a broad network of potential buyers and sellers, plus great relationships with other agents. “They should also have a team of vetted and loyal experts such as contractors, handymen, designers, and architects who can help clients with renovations, small fixes, or design,”.
Determine their workload.
Use the initial interview time to check in on an agent’s dedication. Asking how long an agent has worked in your location, plus: “Is this their full-time occupation, or are they a yoga teacher or struggling actor who sells real estate for a few hours a week? This is a big decision, and the agent should be a full-time, dedicated, and extremely experienced professional.”
A full-time agent is more likely to put in the work to hustle for your real estate transaction to the closing table than a part-time agent who dabbles in real estate or has to supplement their real estate earnings with a second job.
Look at their public record.
Find out if your agent has been disciplined (and why!) to help decide if they’re a good fit your real estate transaction.
Most importantly, buyers and sellers need to be able to trust their estate agent in London. If you feel a personal connection with your agent, you’ve probably found your match.
Remember, your estate agent in London will be with you for weeks or even months. “Go to their office and meet with them,”. “This is a six-month to sometimes a year or more relationship. You will be in touch many times each day throughout the process. This is a big decision.”
Plus, if you find an agent who ends up being your secret fairy godparent, you can always call on them to help in your next transaction. “If you purchased a home with an agent and felt a connection/fit with that agent, it completely makes sense to call that agent in for a listing appointment,”.
References/Author: Trulia
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