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March 1, 2024

Get Expert Advice for Your Big Move

Big Decisions

No matter what stage of life you’re in, buying or selling a home is a big decision. When you’ve made big decisions in the past, what have you done? You’ve probably done some research on your own, and then asked for advice and guidance from someone you consider to be extremely knowledgeable. Big decisions lead to big changes and moving is no exception. There are a lot of factors at play when deciding on new living arrangements. You need insights from experts to help you feel confident and make the right choice.

a man in a suit holds a clipboard while standing next to a woman

Freddie Mac explains it this way:


“As you set out to find the right home for your family, be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.”[1]


While there is no such thing as perfect advice, you can seek out the best advice around and aim for an educated decision.


The Power of Expert Advice

Need more proof that it makes sense to ask for help?


Let’s take a different context. Say you need an attorney. You start off by finding an expert in the type of law related to your incident. A good attorney won’t immediately tell you how the case is going to end or how the judge or jury will rule. What a good attorney does is walk you through the most effective strategies based on their experience to help you plan your moves. They’ll use their knowledge to adjust that plan as new information becomes available.


The job of a real estate agent is similar. Just like you can’t find a lawyer to give you perfect advice, you won’t find a real estate professional who can either. It’s impossible to predict everything that’s going to happen throughout your transaction. The professional’s responsibility is to give you the best advice they can.


The agent will draw on their experience, industry knowledge and local and national market data. They’ll be able to explain the latest trends, the process of homebuying and selling, the timelines you can expect, and what’s worked and not worked for other people in similar situations.


With that expertise, a real estate professional can help you anticipate what could happen next and work with you to put together a solid plan. They’ll guide you through the process, helping you make decisions along the way. And if something unexpected happens, which is extremely likely in such a complex industry, they’ll help you pivot your strategy accordingly.

two women are sitting at a table looking at a laptop computer.

Who is the expert for me?

There are a lot of real estate professionals out there. It can be hard to know who is suited to help guide you. When deciding on who will best assist you on your homebuying or home selling journey, gather information on the following topics:


Experience

Inquire about the agent’s experience in the real estate market, particularly in your area or with properties like yours. As for examples of recent transactions they’ve been involved in and about the average timelines they’ve experienced, from the day they first met their client to the day the transaction was complete.


Market Knowledge

Ask the agent for information about the local market conditions. They should be able to provide insights into current trends, pricing strategies, and other tips and tricks. If you’re selling your home, ask about their marketing strategy specific to your local area. If you’re buying, ask about their search strategy and what their expectations are for finding the home that will fit your needs. Their answers should be based on their experience and market statistics, and they should be able to explain their reasoning to you in a way that’s easy to understand, not full of jargon.

a man in a suit is standing in front of a for sale sign

Communication and Availability

Clear communication is key throughout the buying or selling process. Discuss how often and through what channels the agent will be updating you on progress, feedback, and changes in the market. Ask how they prefer to be contacted by you when you have questions. Ensure they’re accessible when needed and responsive to you. This may mean not deciding on the day you meet them that they’re the perfect fit. You may need to wait a few days to see if you respond positively to their version of follow-up communication.


There’s no right way or standard practice regarding communication between an agent and a customer like you. Work with someone who meets your needs and is communicating with you in a way that feels comfortable.


Professionalism and Credentials

Verify the agent’s credentials by asking for information about their real estate license, their brokerage, and any professional affiliations that they hold. Read reviews and speak with others for recommendations. Ask for references or testimonials from past clients for more insight into their reputation and reliability.



[1] Freddie Mac


Adapted from Keeping Current Matters.

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