Hiring a real estate agent in Massachusetts can be frustrating. So what are the steps on how to find a good real estate agent in Massachusetts?
Many local large real estate brokers will spend thousands of dollars each month to ensure that their agents are the most visible, whether it be online, in the Yellow Pages, or by erecting giant billboards in the most trafficked sections of Massachusetts.
However, the agents backed by the most promotion dollars aren’t always the best, and may not be a good fit for your circumstances. In today’s piece, we’re going to look at how you can find a good real estate agent in Massachusetts.
[NOTE: If you need to sell your Massachusetts house fast and can’t wait the 3-6 months+ it is taking to sell a home on the local market… we may be able to help by buying your house from you. We can make you an all-cash offer within 24 hours on your house in as-is condition. ]
How To Find A Good Real Estate Agent In Massachusetts – Get Reviews… Real Reviews
Online reviews of real estate agents are easily manipulated, and can be often times little more than paid advertisements. It’s important to get honest reviews from any agent that you’re considering, and any reputable agent will be glad to provide you with recent clients.
Also, reviews are one of the best ways to see how any real estate professional does out in the marketplace.
As a last way to check out the agent… hit Google and type in “[name of agent] reviews” and see what pops up in the Google search. If you see a bunch of bad reviews on websites like yelp and others… see if the agent tried to engage with those negative reviewers online to resolve the situation.
Ask the Right Questions Of The Local Massachusetts Real Estate Agent
Ask the agent (or better yet, his or her former clients) the following questions to gauge the agent’s skill, and ability to represent you as a buyer or a seller:
- Was there any part of the process of buying or selling a home that clients were pleased or particularly displeased with?
- What was the asking price?
- What was the sales price?
- What properties have you worked with in my location?
- What about similarly sized properties?
It’s important to choose an agent who has experience working with homes similar to yours.
Check The Real Estate Agent’s Credentials
Check with your state’s real estate regulatory authority to verify the agent’s licensing. While you’re on that website, you’re also often able to look into regulatory actions and complaints against the agent.
You should also ask the agent how long they’ve been buying and selling homes. If they’re representing an agency, ask how long they’ve been with that particular agency, and their history with other firms.
Above all, it’s important to choose a real estate agent in Massachusetts that you can trust. Regular communication is extremely important when selling your home, as in many cases, a house represents the majority of your net worth. A good agent will be able to answer questions such as:
- How many inquiries have been made about my home?
- How many of these inquiries came from people likely to make a purchase (not just window shoppers)?
- What other properties in this neighborhood are for sale? What is the asking price of those homes?
Ask The Local Real Estate Agent How They Plan On Selling Your House
Sometimes going the direct route is the best. In the case of looking for a local Massachusetts MA real estate agent, ask them how they intend on selling your house for you that the other agents in town won’t do. And see what their answer is.
Usually the great ones actually have a marketing plan and will get your house out there and on the market in a big way.
This Is Where Low Priced Isn’t Always The Best
Often times Massachusetts MA home sellers want to go with the lowest priced option.
Heck, when you look at the numbers… if a real estate agent is earning 3% on a $100,000 sale… that’s $3,000 in fees just to 1 real estate agent (usually both agents representing the buyer and the seller earn commission)… it isn’t cheap. But just really do your research before you go with a cut rate agent or a flat fee agent… because that usually means that the service you’re getting is also a lower level service.
Some of the best real estate agents in Massachusetts have great marketing systems and are able to sell homes faster and for higher prices. So even if you find someone to sell your house at a 1.5% fee… look long and hard at whether you’ll be saving money long term.
The same goes for selling your house to a local real estate investor like Pegasus Home Buyers. The highest priced offer isn’t always the best. Look at the terms of the deal the house buyer offers you… and ensure they can close on-time… because every month that goes by costs you money (your mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.) to hold the property.
It’s important to avoid low-quality real estate agents. These could be “rookies” who will do anything to make their first sale (including leaving dollars on the table). A good real estate can make selling your home an extremely smooth experience, and will work in your best interest.
Leverage Social Media and Online Presence to Find a Reliable Real Estate Agent in Massachusetts
In today’s digital world, a real estate agent’s online presence is crucial. A good agent should have a professional and regularly updated website, active social media accounts, and a strong online brand. These platforms not only showcase the agent’s listings but also their expertise and knowledge of the local market.
When searching for a real estate agent in Massachusetts, take the time to browse their website and social media profiles. Look for informative and engaging content, such as market updates, neighborhood guides, and client testimonials. This will give you an idea of the agent’s level of professionalism and commitment to staying current with industry trends.
Additionally, pay attention to how the agent interacts with their online audience. Are they responsive to comments and messages? Do they engage with their followers and provide helpful advice? A strong online presence and positive engagement with potential clients can be a good indicator of an agent’s dedication to their work and clientele.
Evaluate the Agent’s Network and Connections in Massachusetts
A real estate agent with an extensive network and strong connections within the local community can be a valuable asset. Their relationships with other agents, mortgage brokers, contractors, and inspectors can help streamline the buying or selling process and make your experience more efficient and enjoyable.
When interviewing potential agents, ask about their professional network in Massachusetts. Find out if they have connections with local lenders, home inspectors, and other real estate professionals who may be needed during the transaction. An agent who can refer you to trustworthy and reliable experts will save you time, effort, and potential headaches throughout the process.
Also, inquire about their connections with potential buyers or sellers within the community. A well-connected agent may have access to off-market listings or motivated buyers, which can give you a competitive edge in the Massachusetts real estate market.
Assess the Agent’s Negotiation Skills and Ability to Advocate for Your Interests
One of the most important roles of a real estate agent is to negotiate on your behalf and protect your interests. A skilled negotiator can make a significant difference in the final price and terms of a real estate transaction.
When evaluating potential agents, ask about their negotiation strategies and success rates. Request examples of past transactions where they successfully negotiated favorable terms for their clients. This can help you determine if the agent has the skills and experience necessary to advocate for your best interests.
Moreover, observe the agent’s communication style and demeanor during your interactions. Are they confident, assertive, and able to articulate their thoughts clearly? A real estate agent who can communicate effectively and maintain a calm, professional demeanor during negotiations will be better equipped to represent you and achieve the best possible outcome.
By taking the time to research, ask the right questions, and assess an agent’s skills and experience, you can increase your chances of finding a top-notch real estate agent in Massachusetts. With the right agent by your side, you can navigate the complex world of real estate with confidence and achieve your goals in the Massachusetts market.
So go out there and do your research and find a local real estate agent.
If you need to sell your house fast… we’d love to make you an all-cash fair offer on your house.
We can make you a no-obligation offer in 24 hours or less and you can weigh that option against going with a real estate agent.
Just click the link below and fill out the short form on the next page to get the painless process rolling.