When it comes to choices in Real Estate Agents, you have plenty! With over 4,500 Real Estate Agents currently licensed in the Charleston, SC area, there's no shortage for you to choose from when it comes time to either BUY or SELL.
Where do you begin?
Here are just a few important tips and factors to consider when deciding on representation in the real estate industry:
How long has the Real Estate Agent been licensed? This is important because, while all "new" agents deserve a chance, do you really want to be the one they are practicing on with their "on-the-job-training"? Contrary to what you might think, schooling for real estate agents focuses mainly on the laws (which are important of course) but, not much in the way of completing contracts, negotiating prices, marketing properties for sale, etc. All of these skills are typically learned in the field. Be sure the agent you choose has been licensed for at least 2 years. This will allow enough time for at least a few transactions before they work with you.
How many transactions (listings and sales) has the Real Estate Agent been involved in within the last year? It will give you a good sense of just how active your real estate agent is in the marketplace. The more active in listings and sales, the more recent experience your agent brings to the table. And RECENT experience is better than experience from two or more years ago in this ever changing real estate market. For example, there have been so many changes in the Short Sale and Foreclosure market in just the last year. If your agent hasn't been actively involved to know what the changes are, you'll certainly be at a disadvantage when dealing with either a Short Sale or Foreclosed property--regardless of whether you're buying or selling the property. Would you trust your open-heart surgery to a surgeon who performs one heart surgery a year or multiple surgeries??
Is the Real Estate Agent you're considering mainly a "list" agent (listing properties for sale) or a "Buyer's" agent (representing Buyers in the purchase of properties)? It's more benficial if you choose a real estate agent who does both and at a relatively equal percentage. Agents who are experienced in both listing and selling properties understand both perspectives of the transaction and are able to provide good insight to both when negotiating and consulting with you on market conditions, what Buyers are looking for in properties, what the current competition looks like, etc. Think about it, an agent who only lists property and never works with Buyers has no clue what the inside of other similar properties in the neighborhood look like to determine how your home stacks up against the competition. Agents who work with a fair amount of Buyers as well as listings, have likely seen a lot of the other homes and can give you a good idea on what to do or not to do in order to set your home apart from the competition.
Is the Real Estate Agent you're considering a "Realtor"? Many people outside of the industry aren't aware that there's a difference between being a "Realtor" and being a sales associate. All Real Estate Agents are sales associates but, only those who are members of the National Association of Realtors, take an oath and have a higher level of training than simply a sales associate. Be sure you are working with a REALTOR.
If you are interviewing an Agent to SELL your home, ask the Agent to email you their current listings. This will give you a good idea of how well they will market your property. It's amazing some of the write ups we see from real estate agents--with misspelled words, brief, choppy sentences in the "Remarks" section of the listing. This is where they should be speaking to the emotions of a potential Buyer and should be placing your home in the best possible light with lots of great photos and a virtual tour to help sell your property.
Does the Real Estate Agent have any education beyond a high school diploma? Real estate agents are not required to have any formal college training or a college degree. This is so surprising. The practice of real estate takes skill and business knowledge that, in our opinion, goes beyond the high school level. Having the responsibility of practicing real estate (the largest investment most Americans will ever own) requires a great deal of knowledge, care, and professionalism that many people in our industry just simply do not possess.
How tech-savvy is the Real Estate Agent? This is so important in today's world of technology. Having a Real Estate Agent who uses technology to market your home certainly has an advantage over one that does not. Of course, simply by listing your property in the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) your home will automatically be placed on Realtor.com -- but, it shouldn't stop there. Be certain your Real Estate Agent is able to syndicate your home on multiple websites (350+) in order to get maximum exposure for your home. A recent statistic put out by the NAR (National Association of Realtors) says that 92% of Buyers begin their search online. That's where you want to be! If a Real Estate Agent tells you they're going to market your home in print publications and newspapers AND do an open house or two -- run, don't walk to the net to find yourself a tech-savvy agent who markets to the 21st centruy Buyer! :)
How do we stack up against the preceeding factors?
Melanie has been a licensed REALTOR since February of 2003 and Jed a licensed REALTOR since December of 2005. We do an average of 18 transactions a year at about a 50% split between listings (Sellers) and sales (Buyers). We are both college educated -- see our "About Us & Century 21" tab at www.NeighborhoodExaminer.com. We take the maximum amount of photos allowable on every one of our listings and give detailed descriptions of the home written to appeal to the Buyer's emotions (purchasing a home is an emotional decision!). We take great care in following all of the many details between getting a contract and seeing it through to closing. We take advantage of every technological tool we have to market our Sellers' homes. We DON"T do Open Houses because, (here's another statistic for you) less than 2% of homes actually sell as a result of an open house. If you really want one, we can see if a new agent in our office may want to sit the open house for us. It's a way for them to make contacts and meet all of your neighbors who have been dying to see the inside of your home. :)
For more information on our services, feel free to contact us at 843-343-7640. Or, for a copy of one of our free e-books (Guide to Buying Real Estate in Charleston, SC or, Guide to Selling Real Estate in Charleston, SC) email us at teamdehaven@century21properties.com.