The first thing most consumers do is head to the Internet to do a Google search. If the process involves moving to Brevard County, Florida then that is the initial Google search.
With Google search result in hand how does a consumer know who to choose? Is the person on page one of Google search an obvious choice? Not really.
All the technology skills (or paid services and advertising) in the world will not replace these three components in choosing your real estate agent.
- local knowledge - Anyone can advertise on the Internet while knowing the who, what, when, where and how of the neighborhood and surrounding area is a different thing.
- local experience - The customs, rules, practices and laws in real estate are local.
- responsiveness. Consumers should have a reasonable expectation when they choose a real estate agent they will be available by phone, email or face-to-face (as needed). While it should be understood that real estate agents work with multiple customers at the same time an expectation a call will be returned within a couple of hours is reasonable. DO THIS BEFORE HIRING ANY REAL ESTATE AGENT!
Lastly, if I had to give one piece of advice on choosing your real estate agent this is it...
To have a
real estate agent who is willing to tell you what you need to hear is
more important than one who tells you what you want to hear. After all, whether buying or selling, it is all about you!
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