Real Estate Tips
Why You Need an Experienced Real Estate Agent
When you are in the market to buy a house—or need to sell your current home—that is the time to use an experienced real estate agent. An inexperienced agent can cost you time and money, and unfortunately maybe even put you at risk of losing out on the perfect real estate transaction.
Many Inexperienced Agents Quit Due to Money
The number one reason real estate agents leave the business is because they aren't making enough money. The median salary for a real estate agent in the United States is less than $35,000 a year. Subtract from that figure normal business expenses and taxes, and let's hope nobody is trying to feed a family of four on what's leftover.
Although experts advise new agents to keep six to 12 months of salary in reserves, few heed that advice. The business appears to be very easy to outsiders, but real estate is complicated and time-consuming, and the average Joe or Jill are typically ill-equipped to succeed in the field. Unfortunately, many don't find that out until they've weathered many months without a paycheck.
Here are some of the skills successful agents possess that help them to prosper and achieve longevity in the real estate industry:
Organizational
Time management
Communication
Technology
Patience to handle conflict resolutions
Marketing expertise
Self-promotion
Projection of an outgoing personality
How Much Experience Agents Should Have
Instead of asking how much experience an agent has, ask how many times the agent has renewed their real estate license. In Oklahoma, for example, real estate licenses are issued for three years, New Hampshire's term is two years, and California has four-year terms.
You have probably heard the adage that 10% of the agents do 90% of the business. That's because top-producing agents are consistent, and this consistency comes from experience. The minimum number of transactions many brokers expect an agent to complete per year averages out to about 10, which is almost one per month. Not a lot by a top producer's standard, but adequate in most real estate circles.
The Benefits of an Agent With Experience
An experienced agent is one whose mistakes are few. Successful agents learn something new every year; while lesser agents tend to repeat past mistakes. Top agents treat each client as though their business depends on the client's success—because it does. Agents who are experienced:
Offer solutions based on previous results
Anticipate problems before they occur
Enjoy solid reputations with other agents
Have practiced strong negotiation techniques
Refer time-tested vendors such as mortgage lenders, title companies, home inspectors, appraisers, general contractors, pest inspectors
Understand the complexities of changing real estate markets
Provide statistics and crucial market data to clients
Professionally guide clients to smooth closings
Why "DNA Agents" Are Not Ideal
DNA agents are relatives. As such, relatives are often careful not to offend each other. Agents who are related to you might not want to counter your opinions or ideas, even if it's in your best interest to do so. You might not feel comfortable demanding what you deserve, as you would with an agent who was not family.
The bottom line is you want to find the best real estate agent for your needs, and it's important to interview them before making your final selection.
Original article published by TheBalance.com
Written By: ELIZABETH WEINTRAUB