There are so many real estate agents out there, but which one is the best for you? All sellers should be referencing tips for hiring a real estate agent when they’re looking for a professional to represent their sale.

Being strategic when you’re looking for the right real estate agent to hire is the best possible first step to take toward your home sale. Your agent serves as your guide and representative throughout the entire selling process, helping you form customized strategies to approach each step of the deal.

Choosing the right agent for you will help you streamline and optimize your sale, from start to finish.

5 of the Best Tips for Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Here are five helpful tips for hiring a real estate agent to keep in mind when you’re looking for the best possible agent for your home sale.

#1. Find an Agent that has Experience Selling Your Property Type

Whether it’s a traditional single-family home or a condo penthouse, the agent that you hire should have experience selling your property type.

The real estate market is diverse and different property types merit different strategies. For example, if you’re trying to sell an apartment unit, you’ll want to pull information from the building into your marketing plan to attract leads. Or, if you’re selling a lakefront property, you’ll want to make sure that your agent understands all of the specific responsibilities related to that type of home. Similarly, homes that fall under the designation of a homeowners association should be sold in accordance with the HOA policies and rules.

Working with an agent that has ample experience selling your type of home will give you access to an easier, simplified, and lower-risk process than an agent that’s entering new terrain.

#2. Ask the Right Interview Questions

When it comes time to interview an agent, make sure that you’re asking the right questions.

Your interview should cover the big picture of the sales process, such as what tools they use to enhance the transaction, as well as detailed questions, like how many other clients they will be representing during your sale.

Asking a range of questions can help you get a better understanding of the agent and their workflow to decide whether or not you’re interested in hiring them.

#3. Look for an Agent with Designations and Certifications

One of the most important tips for hiring a real estate agent to help sell your home is to find a professional with relevant designations and certifications.

Some agents have expanded their careers by receiving advanced training on specific subjects. For example, some agents have received additional training to become proficient in representing seller clients, military families, or seniors. Other examples of designations and certifications are the Luxury Home Certification (LHC) or Pricing Strategy Advisors (PSA).

Identify your specific needs and circumstances to start looking for an agent with designations that align with your situation.

#4. Choose an Agent with a Strong Marketing Plan

One of the most critical aspects of selling a home is the marketing process.

The way your agent markets your home will determine the pool of buyers that are exposed to your listing. Sellers who post on multiple leading MLSs, promote your listing on social media, and create online marketing content — such as blogs, advertisements, and articles — will be reaching more leads. Ultimately, this gives your listing more market traction.

When reviewing your tips for hiring a real estate agent, be sure to look for an agent that combines online and in-person marketing strategies to achieve the greatest reach. Traditional methods, such as neighborhood signs and open houses, paired with digital marketing, such as social media chatter and web ads, can generate the most leads for your listing.

#5. Prioritize Local Expertise

Sellers should be looking for an agent that is an expert in your market. Each community has its own real estate environment, and you’ll want to be working with an agent that understands the rhythm and pace of your specific area.

An agent that is knowledgeable about your local market will be able to suggest strategies and tips to help you achieve your selling goals.

For example, if you need to sell your home by a certain timeframe, your agent may suggest that you choose a buyer based on their closing timeline instead of who makes the highest offer amount. Or, if you’re interested in increasing your home’s value, your agent may suggest renovations or repairs that have been known to increase selling values in your community.

Finding an agent with neighborhood knowledge is one of the key items to consider when you’re compiling tips for hiring a real estate agent.

Find the Best Agent in Your Community

With these tips for hiring a real estate agent in mind, click here to get connected with the best agent in your market.