What You Need to Know to Choose an Estate Agent
When it’s time to buy or sell a home, choosing an estate agent is a critical first step in what does not have to be an overwhelming course of action.Many people think there is no difference between real estate agents and realtors. Yet real estate agents are licensed to buy or sell homes while realtors are members of the real estate group known as the National Association of Realtors and must follow the organization’s code of conduct.Estate agents carry out services to earn estate agent fees, which is sometimes referred to as a commission. Services include setting the asking price for the property or promoting the property with advertising. Typically estate agent fees range between 1.5 percent and 3 percent of the total sales price of the property.Some things to consider before signing up with east London estate agents include looking for agents that are professional and asking if their license is updated. Also ask whether they work part time or full time, as it is highly recommended that you choose a full time agent. Ask people you trust, such as friends and neighbours for recommendations. Use the Internet to find potential estate agents which should provide a sense of which have a high number of listings and sales in the area you are concerned with.Make appointments with at least three and talk about your goals in terms of budget and timeframe. Questions should include whether the agent is a full time broker and how many years’ experience they have. How many expired listings did they have in the last two years and what is their marketing strategy for new listings?Be sure to read the small print of all contracts and additional paperwork and never pay an agent for services as the fees come out of the commission of the sale of the home.