When you are buying a property first time, you hire an estate agent for it. Your experience with your agent can be smooth or a disaster, depending on how much capable your agent is. A responsible and capable agent can help buy the property of your choice and needs. Approximately 88% of people bought their house with the help of agents in the year 2021. This means choosing the right agent is very important for buying the right property. Certain things should be examined before hiring a real estate agent so that you can choose the best one according to your need.
DOES HE WORK FULL TIME?
While looking for a real estate agent, you should be aware if he works full time or is doing a part-time job as an agent. If the person is not a full-time agent, you should hire another person because the property hunting work requires time and availability. If the agent isn’t available all time, then the property you are interested in could be bought by another party. Thus, it is essential to choose a person who can be available when needed.
THE NUMBER OF CLIENTS HE IS WORKING WITH:
When you want to appoint an agent, you should ask him about the number of clients he is working with presently. This is important because if a person is working with so many clients simultaneously, he can’t be devoted entirely to everyone. Also, you can ask about how many clients he has worked with in the past to get an idea of his performance.
HIS CHARGES:
It is necessary to ask the agent about their commission rate or charges. This should be done before hiring to avoid any conflicts later. Property agents charge a certain percentage of the selling price in Pakistan. The commission rate is 1- 2% of the final selling price. The percentage is different in different cities. In Karachi, the commission rate is 2%, whereas, in Lahore, it varies from 0.5-to 2%, and in Islamabad, it is mostly 1%
HIS SUCCESS RATE IN YOUR DESIRED AREA:
It is essential for the real estate agent you have selected to be familiar with the area you are buying or selling a property. It would be best if you were assured that they know about your desired area and know about the market condition of that area. Suppose the agents have done dealing in that area before it will be more beneficial for you in every way.
DISAGREEMENTS:
Disagreements are common among human beings, and they can happen to anyone. Sometimes there can be a quarrel or disagreement with your agent, so it is necessary to talk and discuss something you are not agreeing on. It is better to list your doubts and ask the agent about them, as communication is the only key to any doubts and queries.
NEGOTIATION SKILLS:
You should be well aware of the negotiation skills of your agent. You can ask him how he will negotiate on your behalf. Anu real estate agent you are appointing must be good at negotiating. Whether you are buying or selling, your agent must have the art of negotiating. He should negotiate responsibly according to the situation, time, and needs
REVIEWS FROM PAST CLIENTS:
Your appointed real estate agent must have reviews from his past clients. You don’t know the agent personally, so you have some referral. This will help you understand the performance and success rate of that agent. Meeting with past clients is preferable to talk to them directly and get answers to your questions, as online reviews can be fake sometimes. Physical interaction is preferred more as compared to reading online reviews.
Conclusion:
Make sure to take time beforehand from your agent for an interview; the agent will also appreciate this. Remember not to ask all the questions simultaneously because the agents are busy individuals and sometimes busy with several clients at the same time. Always try to ask a logical question and not to bother the agents with questions that don’t make sense
Author Bio
Muhammad Junaid is senior Analyst, and Search Engine Expert. Extensive experience being an IT Manager in Park View City. Work for years with local and international enterprises. Also, represent well-known brands in the UAE.