The Pros and Cons to Interviewing Several Real Estate Agents
When it comes to buying or selling your home, finding the right real estate agent can make all the difference. But how do you find the right REALTOR?
Navigating the real estate market today is complex, and both buyers and sellers benefit from the expertise of a professional to secure the best deals and protect their interests. But how do you choose the right agent for your family among so many?
A common strategy is to interview several real estate agents. This not only helps you understand the local market better but also enables you to find the best agent for your needs. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect fit.
Look for someone who understands your goals, communicates well, and has local market experience. The first agent you meet may not be the best choice – but you shouldn’t rule them out either! Also, be wary of falling into the trap of endless interviews in search of the perfect one.
Related reading: 4 Mistakes First-Time Homeowners Make and How to Avoid Them
We’ve got some great tips for you on the pros and cons of interviewing several agents. Let’s dive in!
PROS
- Get to know different styles and personalities: Each real estate agent is unique, and you may feel more comfortable and aligned with certain agents over others. By interviewing several agents, you can get a feel for their communication styles and personalities. You’ll have a better idea of who you would enjoy working with, which can make the home buying or selling process more enjoyable.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the market: Each agent has different experience levels and may have specialties within the market. By interviewing several agents, you can learn more about where the best deals are, which areas of the market are hot, and which neighborhoods may suit you best. It’s the reason I like to interview several vendors before making a choice; I learn a lot from each person because they each explain things a different way.
- You can compare and contrast their skills and expertise: By interviewing multiple agents, you can get a sense of their communication style, marketing strategies, and knowledge of the local market. You may find that one agent stands out above the others in terms of experience or a particular skillset that is important to you. With this information, you can make an informed decision about who to work with.
- You can assess their level of commitment: When you interview a potential agent, you can ask
about their availability and how they plan to keep you updated throughout the buying or selling process. Their answers can give you a sense of their level of commitment to helping you achieve your goals.
CONS
- It Can Be Time-Consuming: Interviewing several real estate agents can be time-consuming. Each interview will take at least an hour, and you may need to meet with multiple agents to find the right one. This process can be tiresome, especially if you’re conducting interviews after work or on the weekend.
- It Can Be Difficult to Keep Track: When interviewing several real estate agents, it can be challenging to keep track of what each agent has said. This can make it more challenging to choose the right person for the job. It is possible to become confused between the different agents and their different marketing strategies, and this can lead to decision paralysis.
- It Can Be Stressful and Overwhelming: It will take time and effort to interview multiple real estate agents, and it can be a stressful experience weighing the pros and cons of hiring each one.
- It can be hard to know whom to trust: While most real estate agents are reputable and professional, there are some who may not have your best interests in mind. It can be hard to know whom to trust when you’re speaking with several agents at once, and even more so when they’re contradicting each other.
Related reading: FACT vs FICTION: What Homeowners Need to Know About Real Estate
Why You Shouldn’t Choose a Real Estate Agent Based on Commission
Real estate agents earn a negotiated commission based on the sale price of your property. By speaking with several agents, you can compare commission rates and determine if the rates they are proposing are within the industry’s standard. You can also compare each agent’s pricing strategy and ask for their methods for marketing your home.
HOWEVER, homeowners often do themselves a disservice when they choose the agent with the lowest commission. If you are shopping for a real estate agent based solely on the commission they charge, if that agent isn’t talented or skilled enough to ask for what they need to feed their family, how skilled or talented are they going to be in getting you the highest price for your home?
Yes, you may save a nickel, but you may lose a dime. That money they are sacrificing to give you a deal must come out of the agent’s budget somewhere, and usually, the first thing to get cut is the marketing of your home. That means fewer people will see your home for sale, fewer people will make offers, and you will net less money than you could have gotten from the sale of your home.
Related reading: Fast – Expert – Interviewing Multiple Agents is Essential. Here’s Why.
Related reading: Rew – How to Interview, Negotiate and Work with Listing Agents
The Takeaway
So, should you interview several agents before making a decision? It ultimately depends on your goals, priorities, and schedule. If you have the time and want to feel confident that you’ve made the best decision possible, interviewing multiple agents may be a good option. However, if you’re short on time or prefer to get started as soon as possible, or simply if you CLICK with the first agent you interview then it may make more sense to go for it! In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 80% of sellers pick the first agent they meet with. Whatever you decide, remember that finding the right real estate agent can make all the difference in the success of your home buying or selling experience.
That’s where POWER AGENTS® come in. They are not only committed and dedicated but also equipped with the skills and strategies to ensure your home gets the best marketing and highest price possible. Visit FindAPowerAgent.com to connect with a top-tier real estate professional who will put your needs first and help you achieve your real estate goals.
AGENTS, Learn more about the POWER AGENT® PROGRAM
- Join Darryl’s Inner Circle Facebook Group. We are always posting fresh ideas, training tools, strategies, and templates, along with hosting important, timely discussions with real estate professionals across the globe who are committed to their Next Level® of success and life.
- Subscribe to our newsletter. Click the button below to fill out a simple form and tap into new resources, free downloads, premium content, and exciting promotions.
- Reach out and talk to us. Not sure if this coaching program and community are right for you? Click that blue chat button on the bottom right of the screen, or call us at the number in the header. We are here to help!
Ready to Find Your Dream Home or Sell for Top Dollar?
Don’t settle for just any agent. Choose a professional who’s committed, dedicated, and a true market expert. Discover the best in the business who have earned the prestigious Power Agent Designation. Visit FindAPowerAgent.com now and connect with the top real estate agents in your area today!