Buying a New Home? Start with Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent!

Real estate investment is the most important decision in your life. Whether you are buying property for your personal use or for future returns, it involves significant amount of risk.

Keeping the value of real estate investment in mind, it is essential that you choose the right real estate agent to not just ensure a hassle-free home-buying experience, but also make sure that your investment is secure.

If you are looking for a real estate agent to buy a new home in Fort Bend, here are some tips to help you along.

Choose a Realtor®

Understand the distinction between an agent and a Realtor. While used interchangeably, they are clearly different from each other. A real estate agent can be anyone that arranges the buying and selling of homes, lands and buildings for its clients. A realtor®, on the other hand, is a licensed real estate professional, accredited from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). These professionals are required to follow the association’s code of ethics, a comprehensive list of rules containing 17 articles and standards of practice. These principles and regulations ensure that the professional delivers the level of services considerably higher than the ordinary business practices of the real estate agent.

It is best to verify the licensure status of the real estate agent before trusting them with your money. In order for this, you can contact your local licensing authority to make sure that the realtor is a licensed professional.

Check for the Experience and Credentials of the Agent

Realtor’s knowledge and experience of dealing in a certain type of property or working in a specific area can make a huge difference. However, make sure that the agent has the kind of expertise you are seeking to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

Be sure to ask the realtor how long he/she has been working in the area, how long they have been licensed, what kind of additional training they have, and what other credentials they hold. Accreditations from Certified Residential Specialist (CSR), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) are good indicators of the agent’s level of expertise in the specialty.

Know the Reputation of the Realtor®

Real estate business crucially relies on reputation. However, a good realtor will always be wary of his standing in the market, and thus will go to great lengths to satisfy his/her customers. You can check the reputation of the realtor by asking their previous clients about the level of service. You can also ask the agent to provide a list of clients they have worked with to run a quick reference check before proceeding with the deal.

If you are looking for a realtor to buy or sell property in Fort Bend County area in Houston, contact FortBendConnect to ensure a pleasurable experience. With a broad listing of new homes in Fort Bend, the firm lets you find the most appropriate property according to your requirements and budget. Contact the firm to discuss your requirements and start your home search today!