Whether you’re buying or selling a home, choosing the right real estate agent is key. It’s important to select one who meets your individual needs, as a successful purchase or sale requires both mutual respect and trust.
 
To help you make an informed decision, take Network Real Estate’s advice and follow these steps when choosing a real estate agent:
 
Research Credentials and Experience
 
Ensure the agent you’re considering is licensed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCRE), first and foremost. Keep in mind that Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors, while real estate agents are licensed by the state. You should do a Google search for the prospective agent and visit any professional websites, personal websites and social media profiles that appear in search results. If you’re able to view past work experience, you can also contact previous employers to inquire about their level of expertise, work ethic and more. It’s always a good idea to ask the prospective agent the same questions to make sure the information you’ve researched matches their answers. Honesty is the first step in a trusting, successful agent-client relationship.
 
Contact Recent Clients
 
In the process of selecting your agent, ask potential candidates for a list of properties they’ve sold in the last six months, recent clients’ contact information, or both. Reach out to these folks and gauge their level of satisfaction with the individual you’re considering. Ask them questions about their overall experience, such as:

• What was the level of communication like between him or her and the agent?
• Did he or she feel any unnecessary pressure from the agent?
• Would he or she recommend this agent to a friend or relative?

If the answers to these questions aren’t positive, then it’s time to reconsider.
 
Assess Current Listings
 
If you’re relying on an agent to sell your home, other properties they’re currently listing will affect you in a number of ways. First, it’s best to stick to agents with experience listing homes in your location and within comparable price ranges. Also, keep in mind that if an agent is juggling 10 homes for sale at once, the level of attention you’ll receive may come second to owners of a home with a larger price tag. Adversely, if an agent doesn’t have any current listings, it could be a red flag that they don’t yet have the level of experience preferred to successfully sell a home. At any rate, think carefully about the location, price range and quantity of homes an agent you’re considering is currently listing and analyze the pros and cons according to your own individual needs.
 
Be Leery of Part-Time Agents
 
Searching and scheduling showings for buyers takes time, as does the proper marketing of a home for sale. To ensure you are getting the proper dedication to the sale or purchase of a home, it’s best to hire a full-time real estate agent. An individual who maintains more than one job may lack the level of priority you’d prefer for your real-estate services. When a new home you’re interested in purchasing hits the market, your agent should be able to schedule a showing immediately. It’s possible you may miss out on opportunities due to timing conflicts with your part-time agent. And alternatively, staying up to speed on the housing market takes time – a crucial piece in the successful sale of a home.
 
Keep the Agency in Mind
 
When it comes to choosing a Realtor, one who’s employed with a reputable agency is preferred. Here at Network Real Estate, we’ve had more than 30 years of experience in the Wilmington, N.C., and surrounding areas. Each of our agents is committed to providing a high level of care for their clients, guiding them each step of the way as they purchase or sell their homes.
 
Neal Johnson is a CMCA, CRB, CNE and GRI-certified, licensed real estate broker at Network Real Estate, which has exclusively served a high volume of property sales and purchases in the greater Wilmington area for more than 30 years. With offices at College Road, Historic Downtown and Pleasure Island, Network’s brokers are widespread and well-versed in this marketplace, making Network a preferred real estate company for first-home buyers and beyond.