When it's time to sell your home, one of the first things you might do is search for a "real estate agency near me." But finding the right real estate agent can be a bit tricky. It's not just about convenience; it's about finding someone you can trust to handle one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
In this guide, we'll walk through what to watch out for when choosing a real estate agent and how to make the process easier (whether you plan to sell your home as is or want to get the best value possible.)
Common red flags to watch out for
When you're searching for a "real estate agency near me," you might come across several options. While it's easy to get caught up in flashy marketing or a friendly first impression, there are certain red flags to be aware of. Here are some common signs that a real estate agent may not be the right fit for you:
1. Unclear or high commission fees
One of the most common red flags is when a real estate agent or agency is unclear about their commission fees. Traditional real estate agents usually charge around 5-6% commission. If the agency is vague about what they charge or if the rates seem unusually high, it's time to ask questions.
If you're selling your home as is and don't want to deal with extra costs, you'll need a real estate agent who is transparent about fees upfront. Beware, though, as some agencies may try to hide hidden fees or offer a lower commission rate only to raise it later on.
It's essential to shop around, get a few quotes, and really think about whether the service you're receiving justifies the commission fees.
Look out for agencies that are upfront about their rates or that incorporate technology in their processes. A forward-thinking agency that uses technology can streamline the process, save you time, and often reduce costs.
Some agencies use sophisticated tools to price homes accurately, track buyer interest, and communicate more efficiently. This can be especially helpful.
2. Lack of experience in one area
Every neighbourhood is different, and what works in one area may not work in another. A real estate agency near me with extensive experience in your local area is more likely to understand market trends, pricing, and what buyers are looking for in your location.
Agents who don't know the local market may overprice your home or fail to market it effectively. For example, if you're trying to sell your home as is without making expensive repairs, a real estate agent who understands the local market will know how to price your home competitively, even if it's not in perfect condition.
However, there are many accurate tools online that give you pretty good estimates based on similar homes to yours in a certain area.
3. Aggressive sales tactics
We've all heard those promises: "We'll sell your home in no time!" or "We'll get you top dollar!" While it's important to have an agent who is confident and enthusiastic, you should be wary of agents who overpromise. Selling a home isn't always quick, and sometimes the market or timing isn't in your favour.
Be careful of agencies that make unrealistic promises just to get you to sign on the dotted line. Sometimes, it's best to sell it yourself. For example, in 2023, 7% of home sales were done by owners without the help of an agent, according to NAR data.
Imagine what could be done if you ask for the agent only when you need one and can handle everything else yourself in 1 platform.
Anyway, a good real estate agent will give you a realistic idea of what to expect, based on their experience, your home's condition, and the current market.
4. Limited marketing reach
Marketing your property effectively is key to attracting the right buyers. If a real estate agency near me has a limited marketing strategy, your listing might not get the exposure it needs to sell quickly. This is especially important if you're hoping to attract buyers who are okay with taking on a property that needs work, for example.
Some agencies focus mainly on methods such as word-of-mouth, social media, online listings, and/or email marketing are essential for reaching a wide audience. If the agency you're considering doesn't have a strong online presence or the ability to effectively market your home, it could be a red flag.
The best of the best is having a platform where you get to list your home, post what pictures you want to present your home with, and manage showings in one place. Now that would be great, wouldn't it? (Locqube does just that by the way. Having all that control, you don't have to worry about big commissions either.)
5. Poor communication and/or availability
When you're trying to sell your home, the last thing you want is to be running around trying to get in touch with your agent or waiting for updates. It can be stressful and feel like you're always playing phone tag. That's where something like Locqube comes in handy.
Since everything's in one platform, you don't have to go back and forth with your agent—you're in control of most of the process yourself. You can list your home, upload photos, manage showings, and track everything easily.
And when you do need help or have questions, your agent is just a call away. No waiting days for a reply. It's a simple, more direct way to handle your home sale, so you're never left in the dark.
To wrap it up
Take your time, ask questions, and don't be afraid to walk away from agents who don't feel like the right fit. The right real estate agent will make the home-selling process smoother, faster, AND more profitable for you.
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Locqube is revolutionizing the way homes are sold by putting you in control...literally. By using technology to streamline the entire process, we cut out unnecessary steps, reduce overhead, and obviously pass the savings directly to you.
That's why our commissions are just 1.99%; you keep more of your hard-earned money while still having access to expert support when you need it.
It's a smarter, simpler, and more efficient way to sell your home where you're in control of almost everything!
Let's move real estate forward with a better, more cost-effective approach. Let's Move America!
