When you’re selling your house (or any other real estate), you don’t want just any old agent – you want a great real estate agent. But what characteristics, traits, and skills – exactly – make the difference between average, good, and great? If you have little real estate experience, it’s hard to know and easy to be hoodwinked. To help you out, then, here are 6 signs of a great real estate agent in Alameda County.
1. Personality
Sure, your agent has to know the business and the local market inside and out. But that’s not enough.
Because this is primarily a people business, a great real estate agent in Alameda County also has to have the right personality.
“The best agents don’t just sell real estate – they sell themselves. .. . People will always respond to [them] if [they] have a great attitude, are personable and honest, have confidence in their abilities, and get a true sense of fulfillment by serving others. The best realtors are not afraid to speak up and present themselves and their clients well – they exude confidence and make prospective buyers feel at ease.”
2. Client-Centered
You should also look for a real estate agent in Alameda County who is client-centered and client motivated. Great agents are always looking out for their client’s best interests and make clients their top priority. “Quite simply, if the customer gets a good deal, the agent gets a good deal.”
It’s undeniable that the business of selling a house can be stressful. A great agent, then, will do everything she can to ensure you feel supported and happy. “Outstanding agents know their clients’ selling motivation, time frame, and are adaptable to their client’s requests. The top agents know that clients are appreciative of [agents] who come across as sincere and dedicated. Agents [should] keep their clients well informed and thoroughly educated on every detail of the real estate process.”
And that last part is very important. If your agent isn’t always available and willing to communicate by your preferred method, then that agent isn’t a great agent. Discover more about this by contacting a real estate agent in Alameda County at (408) 893-1866 .
3. Proactive, Not Just Reactive
In addition, if you’re looking for a great real estate agent in Alameda County, you have to make sure the agent is proactive and not merely reactive – one of the primary characteristics that distinguish the good from the great. Here’s what we mean . . .
“The right agent will not just go through the motions and take orders – they will be proactive in helping you identify and find the right solutions. For instance, instead of just sitting back and waiting for you to send properties you might have come across, a great agent is always on the hunt for the ideal property for you and will communicate and suggest things that you might never have considered before. Being proactive is a mark of a true real estate professional.”
4. Honesty
No relationship can work or last long without honesty. And, make no mistake, when you hire a real estate agent in Alameda County, you are entering into a business relationship that may last many months.
“The right agent will tell you the truth when you need to hear it, even if it’s inconvenient for them. It takes a lot of guts to be honest with someone when it might cost you money, but it’s also an ethical imperative, and a great agent will always put their own character, honesty, and integrity ahead of making a buck. And if they have to tell you the harsh truth that what you’re looking for is impossible, the right agent will do that too.”
5. Tenacity
Tenacity or not giving up easily is another trait of a great real estate agent in Alameda County. Real estate transactions seldom go off without a hitch (sometimes major ones), so you need an agent who will stick with it and find a solution.
Of course, it’s easier to give up and move on, but great agents don’t do that. “The right agent doesn’t give up and will uncover a way to keep things moving, even it takes some creativity. The right agent fights for you and doesn’t throw in the towel after getting jabbed.”
6. All-Around Knowledge
Certainly, your real estate agent in Alameda County has to have a thorough knowledge of the business and the local market. A great agent’s knowledge, though, will be far more extensive than that.
“A real estate agent is your trusted expert for all things real estate related. The best agents have deep knowledge about mortgage lenders and the best contractors in your region. They know how to save time, money, and sanity. For example, selling agents may recommend a Systems and Appliances Home Warranty, which provides coverage during the listing period in case of unexpected failures or repairs. even when your home is actively listed for sale.”
Where to Look for a Great Agent
It should be plain, then, that both buyers and sellers will be better off with a great agent. Finding one is where things get a little more difficult. Your best bet is to go with a trusted agency. So if you want a great real estate agent in Alameda County, contact us today at (408) 893-1866 .