Looking to buy or sell a home? What to look for in an estate agent
Before you commit to buying a house or selling your house, make sure you get the right agent for the job.
Looking to sell or buy a house can be both exciting and frustrating if you deal with the wrong agent. Not only can you end up spending too much money, but you can also waste a lot of time and delay the sale. We spoke to Prince Shongwe, an agent from Huize Mark, about the qualities to look for in an agent.
- A good listener
“A good agent must be a good listener. They must understand what the seller wants. They must also understand why the buyer is buying. Are they a first-time buyer or investor? This will assist in them offering a perfect service.”
- Ethical
“If you are an agent, you make money from selling houses, but this does not mean you must be dishonest just so that you can make money. Be frank with your clients so they don’t get surprises along the way and then start to question your ethics. Explain all the costs that will be involved, how long the process might take, and some of the challenges that might occur. Also agree on how much you are going to charge for the service and explain the expenses that you will incur."
- Urgency
“There are many agents on the market, but some don’t have a sense of urgency. That’s why some advertise on the internet, but take days to respond to your query. Others don’t even make you feel like a priority. This is a sign of a bad agent. A good agent must have a sense of urgency for their client’s needs.”
- Well-informed about the market
"A good agent must advise the seller about the market and about the area, so they can put an appropriate price on the house. When it comes to the buyer, they should be able to match the client's pocket. By that I mean a good agent must know, based on the client’s affordability and budget, what type of property they qualify for and in which area. This helps both the buyer, seller, and agent to avoid wasting time."
- Negotiating skills
“Lastly, a good agent must be able to negotiate with his clients and go the extra mile.”
Also read: The do's and don'ts of renovating your home