Hiring a real estate agent in Asheville can be frustrating. So what are the steps on how to find a good real estate agent in Asheville?
Many local large real estate brokers will spend thousands of dollars each month to ensure that their agents are the most visible, whether it be online, in the Yellow Pages, or by erecting giant billboards in the most trafficked sections of Asheville.
However, the agents backed by the most promotion dollars aren’t always the best, and may not be a good fit for your circumstances. In today’s piece, we’re going to look at how you can find a good real estate agent in Asheville.
Embarking on the journey of buying or selling a home in North Carolina can be both exciting and daunting. One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right real estate agent to guide you through the process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of finding the ideal agent, offering practical insights and tips to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Top 10 Tips on Finding A Real Estate Agent in North Carolina
1. The Power of Personal Referrals
Begin your quest by tapping into the power of personal recommendations. Seek insights from friends, family, and colleagues who have recently ventured into the real estate market in North Carolina. These firsthand experiences often provide invaluable perspectives and might uncover hidden gems in the form of recommended agents.
2. The Digital Landscape: Online Reviews and Beyond
Venture into the online realm to supplement your search. Platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Google Reviews offer a wealth of information through client testimonials. However, don’t solely rely on these digital footprints. Take the time to engage with local real estate forums, community groups, and social media platforms where individuals share their experiences and recommendations.
3. The Art of the Interview
Don’t rush the process of selecting your agent. Treat it like a job interview because, in essence, you’re hiring someone for a critical role. Prepare a set of thoughtful questions to gauge an agent’s experience, approach, and compatibility with your goals. This step is about more than just the responses; it’s about the chemistry and rapport you establish with the person who will navigate this significant life decision with you.
Ask the agent (or better yet, his or her former clients) the following questions to gauge the agent’s skill, and ability to represent you as a buyer or a seller:
- Was there any part of the process of buying or selling a home that clients were pleased or particularly displeased with?
- What was the asking price?
- What was the sales price?
- What properties have you worked with in my location?
- What about similarly sized properties?
It’s important to choose an agent who has experience working with homes similar to yours.
4. Experience: More Than a Number
While experience is often touted as a key factor, it’s essential to dig deeper. Look beyond the number of years an agent has been in the industry and focus on their experience in your target market. A seasoned agent with a strong understanding of North Carolina’s diverse neighborhoods, market trends, and local nuances can provide a distinct advantage.
5. Credentials
Ensure the agent you’re considering is not only licensed but also in good standing. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission website is a valuable resource for verifying an agent’s credentials. A solid foundation of credentials builds trust and confidence, essential elements in establishing a successful working relationship.
6. Local Insight: A Market Navigator
In the realm of real estate, local knowledge is akin to having a compass in uncharted territory. Seek an agent who possesses an intimate understanding of the neighborhoods you’re exploring. Their insights into school districts, amenities, and future development plans can significantly impact your decision-making process.
7. Communication
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful real estate transaction. Look for an agent who not only communicates promptly but also tailors their communication style to match your preferences. The ability to keep you informed and alleviate concerns can turn a potentially stressful process into a more manageable and transparent experience.
8. Negotiation Skills
Real estate transactions are, at their core, negotiations. An agent with strong negotiation skills can mean the difference between an average deal and an outstanding one. Look for an agent who can balance assertiveness with diplomacy, crafting deals that align with your objectives while maintaining positive relationships with all parties involved.
9. Open Houses
Attending open houses provides a unique opportunity to observe potential agents in action. Pay attention to how they engage with prospective buyers, their knowledge of the property, and their overall professionalism. This firsthand experience can offer insights beyond what a resume or website may convey.
10. Trusting Your Instincts: The X-Factor
In the midst of research, interviews, and assessments, don’t underestimate the power of intuition. If something doesn’t feel right or if you sense a lack of connection with an agent, trust your instincts. Your real estate journey is a collaborative effort, and a harmonious partnership with your agent is vital for success.
How To Find A Good Real Estate Agent In Asheville – Get Reviews… Real Reviews
Online reviews of real estate agents are easily manipulated and can be often times little more than paid advertisements. It’s important to get honest reviews from any agent that you’re considering, and any reputable agent will be glad to provide you with recent clients.
Also, reviews are one of the best ways to see how any real estate professional does out in the marketplace.
As a last way to check out the agent… hit Google and type in “[name of agent] reviews” and see what pops up in the Google search. If you see a bunch of bad reviews on websites like yelp and others… see if the agent tried to engage with those negative reviewers online to resolve the situation.
Check The Real Estate Agent’s Credentials
Check with your state’s real estate regulatory authority to verify the agent’s licensing. While you’re on that website, you’re also often able to look into regulatory actions and complaints against the agent.
You should also ask the agent how long they’ve been buying and selling homes. If they’re representing an agency, ask how long they’ve been with that particular agency, and their history with other firms.
Above all, it’s important to choose a real estate agent in Asheville that you can trust. Regular communication is extremely important when selling your home, as in many cases, a house represents the majority of your net worth. A good agent will be able to answer questions such as:
- How many inquiries have been made about my home?
- How many of these inquiries came from people likely to make a purchase (not just window shoppers)?
- What other properties in this neighborhood are for sale? What is the asking price of those homes?
Ask The Local Real Estate Agent How They Plan On Selling Your House
Sometimes going the direct route is the best. In the case of looking for a local Asheville NC real estate agent, ask them how they intend on selling your house for you that the other agents in town won’t do. And see what their answer is.
Usually the great ones actually have a marketing plan and will get your house out there and on the market in a big way.
This Is Where Low Priced Isn’t Always The Best
Often times Asheville NC home sellers want to go with the lowest priced option.
Heck, when you look at the numbers… if a real estate agent is earning 3% on a $100,000 sale… that’s $3,000 in fees just to 1 real estate agent (usually both agents representing the buyer and the seller earn commission)… it isn’t cheap. But just really do your research before you go with a cut rate agent or a flat fee agent… because that usually means that the service you’re getting is also a lower level service.
Some of the best real estate agents in Asheville have great marketing systems and are able to sell homes faster and for higher prices. So even if you find someone to sell your house at a 1.5% fee… look long and hard at whether you’ll be saving money long term.
The same goes for selling your house to a local real estate investor like 828 Cash Buyers. The highest priced offer isn’t always the best. Look at the terms of the deal the house buyer offers you… and ensure they can close on-time… because every month that goes by costs you money (your mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.) to hold the property.
It’s important to avoid low-quality real estate agents. These could be “rookies” who will do anything to make their first sale (including leaving dollars on the table). A good real estate can make selling your home an extremely smooth experience, and will work in your best interest.
So go out there and do your research and find a local real estate agent.
We also are well-connected with good agents in the area and are happy to make connections.
If you need to sell your house fast… we’d love to make you an all-cash fair offer on your house.
We can make you a no-obligation offer in 24 hours or less and you can weigh that option against going with a real estate agent.
Just click the link below and fill out the short form on the next page to get the painless process rolling.