Be it whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent your place, having a top property agent with you along the way is a crucial step in your property journey.
Seeing as there are so many layers when dealing with a property transaction, a property agent should make that journey as hassle-free as possible, with an aim to get you the result you’re after.
Here are six things we advise you to look out for in a property agent to ensure they’re the right fit for you!
1) Past Experience
Just like how your employer references your resume to have a better understanding of your academic qualifications and past work experience, you should also do a similar reference to find out more about a property agent’s expertise to determine if he/she’s the right person on your property journey.
A good starting point will be to look them up on Council for Estate Agencies’ (CEA) Public Register of Estate Agents and Salesperson, which allows you to:
a. Check whether they’re a licensed estate agent
b. Check whether they’re a registered salesperson
c. Find out whether they’ve been disciplined by the CEA during the past three years
d. Know whether they’ve received any awards by the CEA
e. View the number of closed HDB resale transactions they’ve made in the past two years
Doing so will provide you with some assurance on the property agent to take the next steps.
2) Expertise in a Field/Certain Location
Just like when an employer puts out an advertisement for a job, it’s for a specific role they have in mind which requires a unique set of skills and knowledge.
Similarly, I’d be more inclined to go with a property agent who has a wealth of experience dealing in a specific property type and/or in specific areas, so I know they’re knowledgeable and will provide me with the comfort they can get the job done.
3) Assist you in understanding the process
With the myriad of information and property portals available in the local market, you don’t necessarily have to engage a property agent to assist with your property matters.
Thus, if I do consider engaging one, I’d like for my agent to take me through the entire process and to talk me through the plan they have in mind for my property transaction – and to highlight what they’re able to do for me.
For instance, if I’m looking to buy a place, I’d like to better understand which are the best locations to look at depending on my needs – potential appreciation in value etc. Likewise, if I’m selling a place, I’d want to know how they plan to market my home so I’m able to get my expected asking price or more.
Ideally a good agent should do up a detailed plan with specific deadlines, so you’re rest assured during every step of the way.
4) Network
Sometimes hard work just isn’t enough (sad but true). Having a good and wide network will be key in assisting you with your property transaction. An extensive network means they can easily connect with others to ensure you get more eyeballs (if you’re looking to rent/sell) on your property or find houses that fit your requirements up for sale (if you’re looking to buy). This will definitely speed up the process and ensure you find what you’re looking for.
5) Proactiveness
Don’t you just hate it when you have to chase someone for updates? Seeing as there are huge sums of money involved in property transactions, you’d want some peace of mind from your property agent during the journey.
Of course, you’ll need to be realistic on the level of attentiveness your agent should be providing seeing as it’s unlikely you’re their only client. But you definitely shouldn’t be the one always calling in to check on the status of the property transaction.
6) Integrity
Integrity is an extremely important trait in a property agent, so if you feel something’s amiss right from the get-go, we suggest for you to go with another property agent instead.
When the property agent puts your interests first, they won’t do underhanded thing just so they can close the deal to get their commission. If you feel like your agent is overtly pressurising you to take up a deal despite the price not being close to what you’re asking/looking for, then it’s likely they’re simply putting themselves first.
Your agent should be transparent during the entire process, showing you every offer that comes their way during their property transaction.
Only linking you with the very best in the business
While these are qualities you should look out for in a property agent, it might be hard to find one, let alone an agent that has all of the above qualities.
Well, we’re here to help! Simply head on over to the SRX myProperty Concierge (it’s freeeeeeee), where SRX’s special algorithm will connect you to a real estate agent that best matches your needs. You can then have the peace of mind seeing as the SRX team will ensure they service you well to get you the best result!
Source: editorial