If you are planning to buy or sell Beverly Hills real estate, you deserve to work with a realtor you can count on every step of the way. This blog lays out some of the most important qualities to look for in a realtor, as well as the questions you need to ask to separate the good from the great. If you want to ensure your Beverly Hills real estate journey is as smooth and successful as possible, read on.
#1. Proven track record of successful transactions
A great agent will have a proven track record of successful transactions and high customer satisfaction ratings. When interviewing potential realtors, ask about the details of their most recent transactions. You can also prepare before an interview by looking over the realtor's website and the properties they have worked with. Do not just focus on the sale price, but also ask what kinds of terms the realtor has been able to secure for buyers and sellers, such as concessions related to timelines and home inspections.
Any realtor should have plenty of references from past clients who can attest to their skills, so do not hesitate to ask for them, and if you talk to their past clients, keep some of the following points in mind.
#2. Familiarity with the local market
A great Beverly Hills realtor will have clear and documented experience with the real estate market for Beverly Hills and the surrounding area. They will be able to demonstrate both their familiarity with local real estate trends and their knowledge of local neighborhoods, demographics, and amenities.
When you tell a realtor what you are looking for in a home and what your priorities are, they should already be thinking of neighborhoods and even specific homes that might work for you. Ask potential realtors to explain what historic trends are for the area and how they are currently developing. Be direct as well. Do not hesitate to ask them about neighborhoods and homes they believe might work well for you.
#3. Ability to explain the process in detail
No matter how good your realtor is, if they are not able to help you understand the process of buying or selling a home, you are likely to waste a lot of time feeling uncertain, stressed, and lost. A great realtor will be able to explain the process of buying or selling a home in detail so that you know what to expect every step of the way.
If you want to ensure a realtor can explain in detail the processes involved in buying or selling a home, some good questions to ask are “What is your experience with (specific process)?” or “Can you walk me through a typical transaction?”
Another good way to evaluate them as a seller is to ask how they will develop a recommended listing price for your home. Before even talking to you for the first time, an experienced realtor will have already done some market research and looked at homes that have recently sold near yours. A good realtor will have a detailed answer on the topic of pricing and be able to discuss the factors that influence final sale prices.
#4. Availability and accessibility
A great real estate agent should be accessible and available to answer questions or address concerns promptly. They will never overload themselves and will be able to quickly address their client's needs as things come up. That does not mean a great realtor will not be busy, and often quite the opposite. However, they will have excellent time and project management habits that enable them to handle multiple projects simultaneously while still meeting deadlines.
When interviewing a realtor, ask about their availability and how quickly they respond to clients' emails or phone calls. In addition, be cognisant of how they handle messages and respond to you when you are first arranging to interview them. If a realtor is difficult to nail down for an interview, they are unlikely to become significantly more responsive the moment you are their client.
#5. Professionalism and integrity
A realtor’s entire job is tied up in their reputation. If they are not reputable or are difficult to work with and unprofessional, not only will they eventually start losing clients, but they may also discourage other real estate agents from wanting to work with them. You should always be wary of online reviews and read them with a critical eye, but read them nonetheless. In addition, ask realtors for references relevant to the transaction you are considering. For instance, if you are buying, you do not want to only speak to clients who have sold homes with a realtor, and the same is true in the opposite direction.
Beyond a realtor's conduct, you should also ask about their continuing education and professional development. As with every other industry, real estate is a constantly changing profession, not just because of housing trends but also the emergence of new technologies and changes or updates to the law. Part of being a good professional is always staying on top of the latest information and training in the field. Ask realtors how they keep themselves at the top of their profession.
Beyond a realtor's conduct, you should also ask about their continuing education and professional development. As with every other industry, real estate is a constantly changing profession, not just because of housing trends but also the emergence of new technologies and changes or updates to the law. Part of being a good professional is always staying on top of the latest information and training in the field. Ask realtors how they keep themselves at the top of their profession.
#6. Good communication and negotiation skills
A realtor with excellent communication and negotiation skills is a vital part of any real estate transaction. They possess the ability to understand both the buyer's and the seller’s perspectives, be able to identify potential issues, and can come up with effective solutions. They also excel at building relationships with clients and other real estate agents.
As you interview realtors, ask them for examples of difficult negotiations they have worked through successfully. Ask about how they approach tough transactions with both buyers and sellers and what they do to keep the transaction moving forward. Realtors with excellent customer service and problem-solving skills are significant assets to any real estate agency.
These skills are vital in handling queries from clients, resolving disputes, and dealing with other issues arising during the transaction. A realtor who is professional, trustworthy, and diligent will have a reputation for ensuring nothing derails a transaction.
#7. Familiarity with the latest technology
The acceleration of the digital transformation that accompanied the onset of the pandemic has made digital literacy all the more vital in every profession. Across the industry, real estate agents began learning how to buy and sell homes purely through less direct means, such as virtual tours and social media ads. Many of the best realtors did not have to struggle to keep up, as they were already familiar with these technologies. However, as you interview realtors, you should remember that just because a realtor knows all the right technology terms to mention does not mean they are an expert in actually using those technologies.
When you are talking with a realtor about how they will market your home, ask what their approach is to online marketing. Ask about how they use analytics to adjust their marketing to ensure it is reaching the right audience. In addition, ask how they will develop an online presence for your home that can serve as the foundation for all their online marketing efforts.
Recommended Reading: 10 Things to Do in Your First Week in Beverly Hills
Find the realtor you deserve
When you are looking for a Beverly Hills realtor, it is important to never compromise for good enough. You deserve to be represented by an experienced agent such as Peter Mac, with knowledge of the local market and trends that will ensure you the best possible deal regardless of whether you are buying or selling. When you’re ready to get started in buying or selling your home, reach out to Peter for help.
