Picking up the phone book and letting it fall open to the real estate agency page is not the best way to find a great Portland real estate agent. But what is a good way? I suggest looking to sites like Google places, Yelp and Trulia to get an idea of what agents are highly reviewed, engaged in social media and stay current with market trends. Big companies are also not always the best option. Many big companies are volume driven and customer service is lacking. Think about finding a highly specialized broker who works in a niche market. Here are several other items to consider when looking for a Portland real estate agent:
- Impulse: Just because you walk into a busy, bright, and productive looking office doesn’t mean all the agents who work there are also busy, bright and productive. Take the time to get to know the agents you’re considering working with. Interview them, like you would any other professional you hire, to determine their abilities and knowledge of the community in which you want to live. Ask them how many homes they have sold over the past year and throughout their career.
- Easy Agreement: If you finally find an agent who instantly agrees with everything you have to say about the selling price of your home without question, beware. This is especially true if you’ve been to others who disagreed with your price. Consider why this one agent is so agreeable. As in any industry, there are people out there who will tell you anything you want to hear to try and get your business.
- Trusting Your Judgment: While you may very well be a great judge of character, make sure you get at least three references from all the Portland real estate agents you’re considering. Then, take the most crucial step and contact those references.
- Lowest Commission: Don’t go with a real estate agent just because they have the lowest commission on the block. Remember the old adage “you get what you pay for.” Many agents offer tiered commission pricing based on services provided.
These are just a few of the considerations when choosing a Portland real estate agent, but they will get you started on firm footing.