15 Tips for Attracting More Offers on Your Home

Featured

Share:

Selling a house can be stressful and time-consuming, but with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to attract more offers and ultimately get the best price for your property. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Prepare Your Home for Sale

This means decluttering, deep cleaning, and making necessary repairs or updates. A well-maintained home will be more appealing to potential buyers and can also help increase the value of your property.

2. Avoid Selling As Is

One of the more significant mistakes some sellers make is to market their house as being sold as-is. Doing so brings with it a negative connotation. Buyers get the feeling a seller is either trying to hide something or sell a lemon.

Attract More Offers

3. Set the Right Price

It’s essential to price your home correctly from the start. If it’s too high, you may not receive any offers. You could potentially leave money on the table if it’s too low. Research recent sales of similar homes in your area to get an idea of the market value of your property.

You may also consider hiring a real estate agent or using online tools to help you determine the best price to set your home at.

4. Maximize Curb Appeal

The first thing potential buyers will see when they arrive at your home is the exterior, so making a good first impression is important. This means keeping the lawn well-manicured, power washing the exterior, and adding decorative touches like potted plants or a fresh coat of paint.

5. Stage the Interior

Home staging involves making the interior of your home look as inviting and appealing as possible. This can include arranging furniture, decluttering, and adding some personal touches like throw pillows or artwork.

6. Stand Out from the Competition

Make sure to highlight any unique features or amenities your home offers, like a pool, home gym, home office, or outdoor living space. In today’s market, buyers can scroll through countless options online, and you don’t want yours to get lost in the shuffle. 

7. Use High-Quality Marketing Materials

When marketing your home, it’s essential to use high-quality materials like professional photos and a well-written listing description. You may also want to consider using video or virtual tours to give potential buyers a better sense of what your home looks like.

8. Consider Alternative Methods

If you’re having trouble attracting offers through traditional methods, you may consider alternatives like selling to a company that buys homes for cash or listing your home on Airbnb.

9. Consider Rent-to-Own

This can be a win-win situation for both parties, as the buyer can build equity, and the seller can potentially sell their home for a higher price than they could have gotten through a traditional sale.

It also provides a steadier income stream, as the buyer will pay ongoing rent during the lease period. Rent-to-own can potentially attract a wider pool of buyers, including those who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.

10. Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Working with a skilled and experienced real estate agent can be a great way to get more offers on your home. Look for an agent with a track record of success and consider using a discount real estate broker to save on commissions.

11. Host Plenty of Open Houses

Open houses allow potential buyers to see your home in person, which can be a lot more informative than only viewing photos online. While hosting open houses can be a bit of a pain, it is well worth ensuring buyers get a true feel for your home.

12. Advertise Your Home on Additional Channels

If more traditional methods aren’t getting you the offers you’re looking for, post ads on various channels like social media, local classifieds, and real estate websites. Your perfect buyer may just stumble across it!

13. Offer Incentives

Consider offering incentives to potential buyers, like covering closing costs or offering a home warranty. If you’re having a particularly tough time selling your home and want to sell it quickly, it may be worth sweetening the deal for your buyers to set it apart from the competition.

14. Address Worries

Address any potential concerns or objections buyers may have, such as foundation issues or an open insurance claim. Determining what may deter buyers is a significant first step in figuring out how to put their minds at ease.

15. Offer a Flexible Closing Date

Offering a flexible closing date can make your home more attractive to buyers who may be in a hurry to move, or conversely, buyers who need to wait until a lease is up or their home sells to close on your home. If you can be flexible, your home may be one of very few on the market that buyers with specific time constraints can consider.

16. Use Your Network

Get recommendations from friends, family, and other contacts to help spread the word about your home and attract more offers. You never know whose coworker, friend, or child may be looking to buy a house!

Following these tips can increase the chances of attracting more offers when selling your house and ultimately get the best price for your property.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a House

Featured

Share:

What to Know When Buying a Home For The First Time

Buying a home for the first time can be daunting. Before you put down your hard-earned deposit and sign away the next 15-20 years of your lives, there are a few points to clarify, and this is the time to ask the questions.

When you are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, there are no questions that are too trivial. If you have a real estate agent, make sure you lean on them for advice. If they are worth their salt, they will be someone to lean on for all the things you’re unsure of.

Having a first-time home buying guide is always useful. You can also seek assistance from family and friends that have already been through the process.

Consider a few of the following points as a first time home buyer. These are great questions to ask yourself as you journey towards owning your first house.

  • How far will you be from work, and how good is the public transport?
  • How long does the commute take?
  • Do you want to live near shops, schools, hospitals, cafes, and parks?
  • Will you be near enough to Mom and Dad so you can drop in for dinner?
  • If you are pregnant, how near is your hospital?
  • Can the kids walk to school? Homes in sought after school districts always sell really well! So even if you are not having children consider this fact from a resale perspective.
  • You want a neighborhood with a good community appeal, where you have a large enough population to support cafes and diverse restaurants, and possibly a good pizza/sub shop.
  • Do you have a dog? You will want an off-leash dog park, to take Fido for a run, and a local vet.
  • You are busy, so look for a home requiring minimal renovation. Major renovations are not affordable when you are in your first home. It would help if you got a bit more equity first. Having said that, even minor renovations require a handy hardware store nearby.
  • Try not to exceed your budget. The lender will look for some leeway in the budget, so when you choose a home, make sure, based on your combined salaries, that you can afford it. You want to keep your housing costs, including insurances, between 25% and 28% of your monthly take-home pay. This is a bit easier for a couple than for a single buyer.
  • Are you eligible for any first home buyer grants or incentives? The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also provides grants to first home buyers. If you apply early in the new financial year, you may be eligible to receive one, important to apply early as the program has limited funds, is soon exhausted, and is not refunded until the following fiscal year. You just may qualify!

Questions to Ask When Buying a Home

Questions to Ask and Things to Do Before Buying a Home

Get a Mortgage Preapproval

Once you have everything in place, try to get your mortgage preapproval in writing from a well-known lender. It is always a good idea to comparison shop a few lenders as well before settling on one.

Be prepared to have your financial information (proof of employment and income) verified for written preapprovals.

These last for about three months and you are then ‘buyer ready.’

Make Sure You Have a Professional Home Inspection.

Have a look to be sure that the roof, foundation, HVAC systems, flooring, and walls are all in good order. Make sure you have a house inspection before closure done by a well respected local professional.

You really want to know before you put the escrow deposit down if there is anything to be done. Home inspections are also a great learning exercise about the property you are purchasing.

The home inspector will go over all the systems, especially the furnace, air-conditioning, and electrical. They will check the basement for dampness and mold. A good inspector will also have a keen eye for evidence of termites, other insects, and rodents.

Getting a home inspection done is especially important when you are purchasing a fixer-upper home.

Is The Home Low Lying?

Is the house near a river or a low lying flood plain. You don’t want to be paying for flood insurance as it is costly. If the area is a flood zone, it might be why the home is cheaper. Once a house is flooded, it is never the same again. So, avoid any possible flood area.

Is The House on a Busy or Noisy Road?

Houses on major roads are usually less expensive. If you decide to purchase on a major road, make sure that the house has insulation, as a major road can be very noisy and polluting. Avoid big thoroughfares if you can, because it won’t have a good resale value.

Think About Using a Buyer’s Agent?

If you are having difficulty sifting through the choices available, you may decide to hire a buyer’s agent. It likely won’t cost you anything as real estate commissions are typically paid by sellers.

A great buyer’s agent will be in your corner working hard to find you the right home. The best agents will not offer any pressure for you to purchase. If you are a busy professional, having someone scouring the multiple listing service for you every day can be a godsend.

Make an Offer Stick

Start attending open houses to get a feel for the market. Are real estate values rising, falling, or stable. If home prices are falling, that will be good news for you. It might be possible to find a house you previously thought to be unaffordable.

When you find the home that makes you happy, you’ll want to pounce on it, especially if it is an excellent deal. Get together with your real estate agent and write the offer. Be prepared to have some give and take, which is often the case. Negotiating is something buyers, and sellers do. Try to make it a win-win if you can.

If the seller has already bought elsewhere, you will probably be in the driver’s seat as there will be some urgency to get a deal done.

On the other hand, if you are in a hot seller’s market, be prepared to move quickly. There could be multiple offers and bidding wars. Unfortunately, there will be less flexibility. To get the house you really want, you’re probably going to need to step up to the plate and give the seller their desired terms.

It is vital to be proactive at this stage, as you want to get into a house before your preapprovals expire. The financial markets are very mercurial, and especially in a rising market, conditions change very quickly.

Prepare For Moving

One of the most arduous tasks when buying or selling a home is moving. The move can not only be physically stressful but mentally as well. There are so many things to get done. Did you change your address with the post office? How about getting one of the best moving companies in the area?

Maybe you have found that hiring professional movers will be too expensive and rent a moving truck instead? Lots of folks choose to rent a moving truck from U-Haul because of the convenience and lower cost.

These are all things that should be thought about well in advance. Proper planning goes a long way when buying your first house.

Final Thoughts on Buying a First House

Once you have the finance approved for your new house, it is important to be ready to recognize and grab a good deal when it comes along. Buying a home for the first time can be a full time and stressful job. You will have a limited amount of time to perform what seems like an endless list of tasks. The good news is, it will soon be over, and you will be in your own home.

Hopefully, you have found some of these first-time homebuyer tips to be useful.

13 Creative Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Home

Share:

The right lighting can enhance any outdoor space. In fact, creative lighting can take a basic backyard patio and transform it into a warm and inviting atmosphere. The creative outdoor lighting ideas below are all easy home upgrades you, or an electrician, can complete on a weekend. 

Gas Lanterns

Gas lanterns are a gorgeous and unique outdoor lighting choice. They add a vintage charm to your front door or the doors leading into your backyard. Gas lanterns have real flames, so just make sure your homeowners association approves of their use before purchasing and installing them.

Creative Lighting Ideas

Gas fire pit

Installing a fire pit is one of the best ways to add light to your outdoor area. A gas fire pit can create incredible ambiance and enable you to use your outdoor space even after the weather gets cooler. There are many different types of outdoor fire pits. Some are rustic, while others are modern and built into outdoor tables. Whatever your style, one exists to suit it.

Chandeliers

If you have an outdoor dining area, installing a chandelier above the table is a creative and unexpected touch. You can hire an electrician to wire a chandelier or purchase battery-operated lightbulbs that you can charge before you host a special event. The best part about battery-powered lightbulbs is they do not require a socket. Your chandelier can be rustic or even crystal for a glam-inspired look. Either way, incorporating a chandelier into your outdoor dining experience can truly elevate the space.

Tiki torches

Tiki torches never go out of style, whether you’re a baby boomer, millennial, or Gen Z. If you want to create an outdoor haven that feels like a vacation, tiki torches are a great addition. These torches usually have citronella and can repel insects, too, so they serve two purposes. They can be functional in preventing bugs from bothering your guests, while adding a fun touch that can make your backyard feel like a tropical escape. 

Solar path lights

A straightforward addition to your outdoor lighting is solar path lights. You can purchase these in many different places, and they come in various sizes, designs, and even colors. The great thing about these lights is that you don’t have to have extensive wiring. As the name suggests, they are powered and charged by the sun, so they charge during the day and light up on their own at night.

Rail lights

If you have an outdoor deck, patio, or stairs, installing rail lights can give your outdoor space a soft glow and improve visibility, preventing injury when people come over. In addition to rail lights, you can add step lights to ensure guests can safely get up and down stairs and out to your patio. 

Floating pool lights

If your real estate broker found you a house with an outdoor pool, consider yourself lucky. A pool is one of the best areas to install creative lighting. There are many new products available, such as floating pool lights, that can add a lot of visual interest to your outdoor party. You can also install lights around your pool to showcase this beautiful part of your home.

Mason jar lights

Depending on the style of your home, Mason jar lights can add a nice touch to your backyard. Plus, Mason jar lights are very versatile. You can add a small battery-powered light or fill them with LED-powered twinkle lights. You can group jars together on a table or hang them from branches. The possibilities are endless.

Paper lanterns

If you are hosting an outdoor party, consider using paper lanterns. Paper lanterns are affordable and easy to hang if you have trees in your backyard. You can also place them on table tops, and they will add visual interest without sending you over budget.

Pergola lighting

A pergola is a great way to highlight a specific space in your backyard. Pergolas are designed to add interest, and you can set up outdoor seating or an outdoor dining table underneath. With posts and wood beams running across the top, pergolas are an ideal area to incorporate creative lighting. Fairy lights look especially great on a pergola.

Privacy fence lights

Privacy fences can be unsightly, whether your plot of land is large or small. If you add vertical lights to your privacy fence, it can create a sparkling wall that gives your friends and family a private space and a nice amount of light to your backyard.

Candlelight

Candles are always great for a warm, cozy outdoor space. You can get large lanterns or combine several small candles from inside your home to create a warm, comfortable vibe. If you live in an area that tends to be windy or you’re worried you will forget to blow them out, there are battery-operated candles with very convincing flickering flames.

Motion-sensor lights

Motion-sensor lights are a great addition to your backyard for several reasons. First, they provide security because they turn on whenever someone walks by them at night. They also conserve energy because they only turn on when motion is detected. You likely won’t be able to take them with you if you decide to sell your home and move, but they are still a smart consideration when creating your outdoor lighting design.

Other considerations for outdoor lighting

When choosing the best creative outdoor lighting ideas for your home, you should also consider:

  • Safety: Keep walkways and stairs well lit to prevent falls. Also ensure your added lighting doesn’t exceed your electric circuit’s capacity. When in doubt, consult an electrician.
  • Layering: Consider combining different types of lighting for a cohesive, layered look. For example, you can combine string lights, sconces, and candles to create dimension in an outdoor space.
  • Eco-friendliness: There are many ways to create an environmentally friendly outdoor space. For example, you can install solar lights, motion-sensor lights, and lights that use rechargeable batteries.
  • Delineating spaces: Much like furniture and accessories, you can also use lighting to delineate outdoor spaces. Some spaces could be cozier with warm lights and candles, while floating pool lanterns could signal a party area.
  • Consult an agent: If you’re unsure whether your lighting plan is appropriate for your home, you can always consult a real estate agent.
Posted in Uncategorized

Do Landlords Have to Clean Between Tenants?

Share:

do landlords have to clean in between tenants?

Navigating Cleanliness Standards in Residential Property Management

The question seems simple: Are landlords legally required to clean a rental property between tenants? The answer, however, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While no universal law mandates a deep clean between tenancies, landlords and property managers must navigate a complex landscape of legal requirements, industry best practices, and tenant expectations. This article explores the fine line between legal obligations and intelligent business practices in maintaining clean, safe, and desirable rental properties.

Legal Considerations: Federal, State, and Local Regulations

Federal Regulations

While there are no universal, clear-cut laws specifically addressing cleanliness in rental properties, a complex tapestry of regulations at various levels significantly impacts property management practices.

The federal-level focuses primarily on anti-discrimination measures and ensuring the fair treatment of federally protected classes in housing. This includes laws like the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.

State Level Standards

Moving to the state level, regulations typically emphasize safety, health, and habitability standards. State laws, such as Colorado’s Warranty of Habitability, require landlords to provide adequately weatherproof living spaces, have functioning heating, electric, and plumbing systems, and be free from vermin infestations or any safety hazard. Other states have similar laws that, while not directly mandating cleanliness, effectively require a certain level of upkeep and sanitation.

Local Ordinances

At the local level, cities and municipalities may enact more specific ordinances related to property conditions. These local laws could include requirements for regular pest control, specific waste management practices, or even standards for the cleanliness of common areas in multi-unit dwellings. Together, these multi-tiered regulations create a framework that, while not explicitly demanding pristine cleanliness, certainly encourages landlords to maintain their properties in a clean and habitable condition.

The Challenge of Legislating Cleanliness

The Subjectivity of Cleanliness

The lack of concrete legislation on cleanliness stems from its subjective nature. Personal standards vary widely, and cultural differences significantly influence perceptions of what constitutes a clean environment. Moreover, context plays a crucial role; what’s considered clean for a workshop, for instance, would likely fall short of the standards required in a hospital setting.

Warranty of Habitability

The Warranty of Habitability has gained renewed importance in recent years. For example, in Colorado, new legislation provides more specific guidelines on how landlords and property managers should address situations impacting the habitability, health, and safety of residential rentals.

While these laws don’t directly legislate cleanliness, they create a framework that indirectly promotes clean living environments by ensuring properties meet basic standards of safety and livability. This framework outlines the landlord’s responsibility in maintaining the property.

Best Practices in Property Management

Setting High Standards, Standards of Excellence

Most property managers require departing tenants to leave a clean property, in the same condition they received it. When a manager takes on a new property, they typically aim to ensure it’s in excellent condition before the next tenant moves in. This standard of excellence usually includes:

  • Clean carpets
  • Clean and fully functional appliances
  • Cleaned windows and window treatments
  • A thoroughly deep-cleaned state throughout the property

These high standards maintain the property’s condition and attract tenants who value a well-maintained living space, potentially increasing rental income over time.

The Importance of Property Turnover

Property or tenant turnover presents a crucial opportunity for landlords and property managers to maintain high standards and set the stage for a successful tenancy. By ensuring a clean unit is in excellent condition between tenants, managers can attract high-quality renters and potentially justify higher rental rates. This preparation is crucial before a new tenant moves in. A key aspect of this process is thorough initial documentation.

Initial Documentation Process

When a new tenant leases a property, it’s standard practice for property managers to document its condition meticulously. This typically involves taking numerous photographs of every room, appliance, and fixture, and sometimes even creating virtual tours. This comprehensive documentation serves a dual purpose: it establishes a clear baseline for the property’s condition at the start of the lease, and it sets clear expectations for how the property should be maintained. It also serves as a valuable future reference for both parties.

This initial documentation is invaluable for both landlords and tenants. For landlords, it provides a reference point for assessing any damage beyond normal wear and tear when the tenant moves out. For tenants, it offers assurance that they won’t be held responsible for pre-existing issues. Ultimately, this practice helps prevent disputes and ensures a fair assessment of the property’s condition throughout the tenancy.

End of Lease Expectations

At the end of the tenancy, tenants are expected to return the rented property to the property manager in the same condition they found it, accounting for normal wear and tear. A move-out inspection is typically conducted to ensure this standard is met.

This ensures that the property is in good shape for future tenants, just as it was for previous tenants.

Addressing Common Challenges

The move-out process often presents challenges for tenants and property managers alike. As tenants grapple with the stress and fatigue of relocating, even basic cleaning of the rental property can sometimes fall by the wayside. Recognizing this common issue of properties being left in poor condition, many property management companies have developed effective strategies to maintain consistent cleanliness standards between tenancies.

Professional Cleaning Solutions

When tenants fall short on move-out day cleaning, property management companies typically hire a professional cleaning service to perform a deep cleaning, bringing the property up to the required standard. The cost for this service is usually deducted from the exiting tenant’s security deposit, which incentivizes tenants to leave the property in good condition while ensuring the landlord isn’t left bearing unnecessary costs.

Stringent Move-Out Requirements

Some companies have implemented more stringent requirements to further streamline this process and maintain consistent property conditions. For example, they may mandate that all tenants have the property professionally cleaned upon move-out, emphasizing professional carpet cleaning. This proactive approach serves multiple purposes: it ensures a high standard of cleanliness for incoming tenants, sets clear expectations for the property’s condition upon return, and reduces potential disputes over the state of the property at the end of the lease.

By implementing these practices, property managers can ensure that each new tenant starts their tenancy with a genuinely “clean slate,” both literally and figuratively. This not only enhances the move-in experience for new tenants but also helps maintain the property’s value and appeal over time.

Utilizing the Turnover Period

The turnover period presents an ideal opportunity for property managers to:

  1. Conduct a thorough inspection of the rental unit
  2. Assess the property for health and safety concerns
  3. Perform necessary maintenance and updates to ensure the property is in good repair and address any outstanding maintenance issues
  4. Address tasks that might inconvenience occupants

Maximizing Vacancy Periods

By effectively utilizing this vacancy period, property managers can ensure the unit meets all health and safety standards, improve its overall condition, and prepare it optimally for the next tenant.

Final Property Inspection

After completing cleaning, repairs, and all necessary services, the property manager should conduct a final, thorough inspection of the rental unit. This step involves:

  1. Comprehensive documentation
  2. Verification of completed work
  3. Protection for the property owner
  4. Assurance for new tenants
  5. Building trust
  6. Ensuring legal compliance

The Importance of Clear Communication

Clear communication is crucial in property management. Outline both tenant and landlord responsibilities in the lease agreement. This rental agreement should clearly state the expected cleanliness standards and move-out procedures. It’s essential to:

  1. Impress upon tenants the expected cleanliness standards from the outset, including the need for regular cleaning throughout their tenancy
  2. Provide comprehensive documentation of the property’s condition
  3. Outline both tenant and landlord responsibilities in the lease agreement

Setting Expectations and Building Trust

By setting high standards, clearly communicating expectations, and maintaining thorough documentation, property managers can create a positive experience for tenants and protect the interests of property owners.

This includes clearly outlining the tenant’s responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of the property during their lease term.

Conclusion

While pristine cleanliness isn’t a legal mandate, it’s a cornerstone of professional property management. By implementing best practices in cleanliness standards, property managers can:

The Multiple Benefits of High Cleanliness Standards

  • Foster trust between all parties involved
  • Maintain and potentially increase property value
  • Build a reputation for excellence in the industry
  • Reduce disputes and ensure a positive experience for incoming tenants
  • Create a transparent and trustworthy process that benefits both property owners and tenants

Remember, in property management, a clean start isn’t just about appearances—it’s about creating a foundation for successful, long-term tenancies and property investments.

7 Signs of a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent

Share:

Choosing a real estate agent is a significant financial decision whether buying or selling a house. After all, your home is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make, and a good agent can pay serious dividends.

For buyers, they can help you find a home within your budget and negotiate on your behalf. If you’re selling a house, a trustworthy real estate agent can give you honest advice about how to prep your home for sale and ensure you follow laws and guidelines so your sale goes smoothly.

If you’re looking for a new Realtor, here are seven signs of a trustworthy real estate agent.

Trustworthy Real Estate Agent

Treats You Well Regardless of Your Circumstances

Your real estate agent’s actions toward you significantly reveal their integrity. For example, they should be willing to help you regardless of the type of mortgage you have and your housing budget. 

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, choose a real estate agent who is patient, willing to answer all your questions, and happy to negotiate on your behalf, even if it means less commission for them.

If you have a history of bankruptcy, work with a real estate agent who understands the challenges of buying a house after bankruptcy and is willing to go the extra mile to help you find a home you love.

Quick Communication

Another sign your real estate agent is trustworthy is that they care about responding to your questions. You shouldn’t have to wait days on end for a response. A quick answer from your agent should show you that you’re a priority.

It’s also a good sign if your real estate agent responds honestly to your questions and gives you realistic answers, especially when doing that will benefit you more than them. This is a sign of a true advocate using their knowledge to protect you in the complex world of real estate. 

Real Estate expert Bill Gassett of Maximum Real Estate Exposure explains that communication is one of the most vital traits of any exceptional Realtor.

Most consumers expect proper communication skills, and rightly so. It is one of the most essential aspects of customer service. A lack of trust can quickly ensue when an agent does not respond in a reasonable time frame. Anyone selling or buying a home should expect their hired person to be attentive to their needs.

 

Ethical Standards and Professionalism

Home sales sometimes fall through. Plenty of things can cause this to happen, but quality real estate agents can help you avoid many. Professionals will work with their counterparts on the other side of the deal to ensure both sides have what they need and do what’s necessary to make it to the closing table. However, an ethical real estate agent will never ask you to hide things about your home or skip steps. They’ll be professional throughout the process, and you should be confident they’ll represent you well.

Another thing to consider is a real estate agent’s reputation in the community. Look through online reviews and ask your friends and family for recommendations. This can be one of the best ways to get an unvarnished review of working with a particular Realtor. 

Listen to Your Requests and Concerns

Buyers and sellers are naturally stressed about this sometimes complex process, and the best Realtors know how to put their minds at ease. It’s vital that your real estate agent listens to and understands your requests or concerns. These could range from worries over the state of your home to issues with a particular offer or anything else on your mind.

Great agents can often develop practical solutions or reassure nervous clients that things are on track. 

Honest About Commissions

Real estate agents should be upfront and honest about their commission structure. They should explain precisely how and when they get paid and what percentage of the home sale price goes to them. No matter what they say, buyers and sellers should remember you can always negotiate real estate commissions or use one of numerous discount real estate brokers.

Even saving fractions of a percent on real estate commissions, especially with large home sales, can save you thousands of dollars. So, take the time to research companies with the lowest real estate commission fees

Experienced Track Record

Choosing a realtor with a solid track record is also important. If they regularly get several offers on the homes they sell, then it shows they have experience in pricing properties and presenting them to buyers. Although you might want to help out a friend or family who is a Realtor, it’s best to choose an agent with the experience you need to handle whatever pops up during the transaction. 

How Do I Find a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent?

Taking the time to find a trustworthy real estate agent is almost always worth the upfront work. Here are some of the best ways to conduct your search.

Get Personal Recommendations

Chances are, you know a couple of homeowners. Whether they’re friends, family, or coworkers, someone you trust has used a real estate agent, often within the past few years. Ask them for recommendations, but be specific; ask what they liked and didn’t like about their agent. Satisfied clients are often more than happy to sing the praises of their Realtor.  

Read Reviews

If you don’t know anyone who can recommend a real estate agent, you can always do a deep dive into online reviews. You can learn a lot about many Realtors this way.

Don’t expect a perfect showing of five-star reviews, however. A few negative reviews don’t mean a real estate agent is untrustworthy as long as positive ones outnumber them. However, those with over a handful of low ratings are likely worth skipping. 

Attend Open Houses and Meet Agents

When you go to open houses in your area, talk to the agent hosting it. See how they interact with people viewing the home. Get a sense of their energy and how they handle themselves.

Follow These Tips to Find Your Perfect Realtor Match

Finding someone experienced, trustworthy, and willing to put your best interests first can feel daunting if you’ve never worked with a real estate agent. However, following the tips above, would-be buyers and sellers should have no trouble locating their ideal partner. With some help, they can guide you through the process so you can buy or sell a house quickly, pack up, and move on to your next place.