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How to Know if Your Port-Elizabeth Real Estate Agent is Really Helping You or Just in it for the Commission

Most real estate agents are honest and upright, doing everything they can to further their clients’ best interests. But, unfortunately, there are always a few bad apples in every barrel. It sometimes happens that an agent is simply chasing a commission rather than seeking the best deal for you as a buyer or seller. So you need to know the attributes and qualities that make for a good agent who will really help you. Here, then, are some tips on how to know if your Port-Elizabeth real estate agent is really helping you or just in it for the commission.

Responsive and Available

The most common complaint both buyers and sellers have regarding their agent is that the agent isn’t responsive when it comes to necessary communication. A Port-Elizabeth real estate agent who is really trying to help you and isn’t in it just for the commission will be responsive, available, and willing to communicate by your preferred method.

The reason that responsiveness and availability are so important is that “[r]eal estate transactions are rife with uncertainty, especially if you’re new to buying and selling . . . [A]n agent who doesn’t guide you through it or return your calls (or both) only makes it that much more stressful.”

Industry pros maintain that “[c]ommunication between you and your agent is key. It helps to ask questions upfront, such as which modes of communication they [and you] prefer (calls, emails, texts) and whether they take days off. This will help you temper your expectations and understand your agent’s boundaries. . . . [I]t’s also better to switch agents early on, rather than getting deeper into the process and finding that your needs and expectations don’t match up with your agent’s style.”

To discover more about what you can and should expect regarding your agent’s responsiveness and availability, you can contact a Port-Elizabeth agent at 0823283345.

Honest . . . Always

Also, a Port-Elizabeth really estate agent actually helping you will be honest, always and no matter the unpleasantness involved. An agent just in it for the commission may be disingenuous just to push the deal through.

“Honesty in a real estate agent is essential. If your agent is all gleeful promises and endless affirmations, there’s a good chance that they’re not being entirely truthful with you; according to Forbes, that’s one of the top three signs of a bad real estate agent. Whether it involves taking a hard look at your budget and what you can actually afford, or how to price your house competitively, a good real estate agent might not always tell you what you want to hear — and that’s for the best.”

Keep in mind that some properties may not be right for the buyer, and some offers may not be best for the seller. You need an agent who will be painfully honest to help you avoid a bad deal.

Resourcefulness and Industry Knowledge

A good real estate agent will also be possessed of resourcefulness and thorough knowledge of the industry. The reason for this is that agents frequently have to be problem solvers in order to find the best solutions for their clients, rather than glossing over problems to hurry and collect a commission.

Here’s what the industry experts advise on this . . . 

“A resourceful [agent] overcomes market-related problems. They work with the available resources to create solutions. . . . To generate leads and produce a sale on your property, [agents] need to be resourceful and have a deeper understanding of the local area. Before selecting an agent, you need to ask questions that gauge their resourcefulness and knowledge of the area. Asking these questions will help you categorize [agents]. Some agents will seem more qualified than others and you can shorten your list of possible [agents] to those that you think are most qualified.”

Strong Professional Network

Good agents, those who can truly help you, will have a strong professional network. 

“When you’re working with a real estate agent, one of the benefits of having a good one is that they’ve taken the time to build and cultivate an impeccable network of associated professionals. This network can be vital to making your experience go as smoothly as possible. Financing, insurance, inspections, construction, trades, zoning, you name it, a good agent will have at least a few of these professionals in their network. That means that when you need help with something, you can turn to your agent and come away with a recommendation that you can trust.”

Experience In and Knowledge of the Local Market

Another sign that a real estate agent can and will help you is when that agent has plenty of experience in and a thoroughgoing knowledge of the local [market-city] market. 

“While technically any agent can help you, it really pays to have a real estate agent who knows the area in which you’re buying or selling. They can tell you about individual neighborhoods, as well as the pros and cons of them. But even more . . . they can help with the details, whether you have questions about property taxes, water rates, local schools, or even the availability of public transportation.”

And this becomes even more important when you’re making a long-distance move. Such an agent is “vital if you’re moving somewhere you’re not familiar with, and having an agent who knows the area and can ensure that you’re not thrown off by unmet expectations, makes the entire process so much easier.”

Finding a Good [market-city] Real Estate Agent the Easy Way

In most cases, finding an agent who will really help you and isn’t just in it for the commission takes a lot of work and time. At the very least, you’ll have to get referrals, read reviews, and conduct interviews. But there is an easier and more foolproof way. And that is to go directly to Port-Elizabeth agency known for its top-notch agents. So if you want a Port-Elizabeth real estate agent who will truly help you, contact us today at 0823283345.

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