Buying or selling a home is no small or easy task. And if you’re like most people, you will engage the services of a real estate professional for the assistance you need and to make sure everything goes off smoothly throughout the whole process. The problem is that it’s difficult to cut through all the advertising noise to determine which real estate broker is right for you and will best meet your unique needs. To help you out, we offer these 3 tips to help you find the best real estate broker in Stamford.
1. Understand What a Real Estate Broker Is
The first step toward finding the best real estate broker in Stamford is to understand exactly what a real estate broker is so that you will know what you’re looking for.
Here’s the short version. “A real estate broker does the same job as an agent but is licensed to work independently and may employ agents. Brokers are paid on commission, but also get a cut of the commissions of agents who work for them.”
A broker is an agent, but an agent isn’t necessarily a broker. So, typically, “[a] real estate broker is a real estate agent who continues their education and successfully receives a state real estate broker license. Unlike real estate agents, brokers can work independently and start their own brokerage and hire other real estate agents.”
It follows, then, that real estate brokers “do many of the same things that agents do. Brokers who work with buyers normally look for properties that match the criteria set forth by their clients, conduct negotiations, prepare offers, and help the buyers with any other issues leading up to the closing date. Seller’s brokers, on the other hand, determine the market values of their client’s properties, list and show properties, communicate with sellers about offers, and assist in the offer process.”
The three main categories of brokers are . . .
- An associate broker has her broker license, but, instead of working independently, chooses to work under another broker and so does not supervise other agents.
- “Managing brokers oversee transactions and daily operations in the office. They also hire agents, train new hires, and manage administrative staff.”
- Principal (or designated) brokers oversee agents “to make sure they are in compliance with state and national real estate laws. Each real estate office has one designated broker.”
2. Get Referrals and Do Research
With an understanding of what a real estate broker is and does, you’re now ready to take concrete action to find the best Stamford broker. This begins with getting referrals, which is followed by researching potential brokers.
Start by asking people in your network – family members, friends, co-workers, and so on – if they can recommend a broker they’ve worked with and had a good experience with. Make sure, though, that their recommendations are for brokers who have had experience working with clients like you and the kind of property involved.
After you have some potential candidates from the recommendations, it’s time to do some research. Start by checking out a potential broker’s online presence. “Check their websites and social media accounts.” Also, be sure to read plenty of reviews on reliable third-party review sites. And don’t forget to check with the appropriate state agency to see whether a broker has had any disciplinary actions.
3. Interview at Least Three Real Estate Brokers
Once you’ve done your research and have a shortlist, you should interview the top three (at a minimum) candidates. You want to get a sense of the style, professionalism, and familiarity with your area for each real estate broker.
Industry experts recommend that you pay particular attention to “how polished and professional their proposal is . . . The more effort they put into a presentation for you, the more effort they’ll put into presentations when they’re working for you. You want someone who is really savvy.”
The important questions to ask during the interview process include . . .
- How long have you been an agent and a broker?
- How many clients do you currently have?
- How long does it typically take you to close?
- What are the price ranges of properties you typically work with what kinds of properties are they?
- Are you familiar with and do you have experience in my area/neighborhood?
- What kind of guidance and assistance do you provide for inexperienced clients?
And be sure to ask how available a broker will be for communication and whether she is willing to communicate by your preferred means, for example, by phone, text message, or email.
Find a Great Stamford Real Estate Broker the Easy Way
By deploying the tactics we’ve laid out above, you stand a good chance of finding a good real estate broker. But it does require a lot of time and effort. There is, however, an easier, more efficient, and more effective way to go about finding the right broker for you. And that is to go straight to a broker or brokerage known for results and superior customer service. If you want to find the best real estate broker in Stamford the easy, way then contact us today at 203-517-0558.