When you’re ready to take the big step of buying or selling a home in Cary, NC, one of the crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right real estate agent. This professional will guide you through the complexities of the market, offer valuable advice, and strive to get the best deal possible. Whether you’re searching for your dream home or selling your current property, the expertise of a skilled agent is invaluable. To help us better understand the role of a real estate agent and how to choose the best one for your circumstances, we spoke to Kristy Becker, Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston.
Understanding Your Needs
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that buyers and sellers have different needs. As a buyer, you might be looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of Cary, can negotiate effectively, and finds you a home that ticks all your boxes within your budget. On the other hand, sellers need an agent who can market their homes effectively, attract qualified buyers, and get them the best possible price. Clear communication with your agent about your expectations, budget, and unique requirements is key.
When selling a home, you have to balance your price expectations and financial goals with market realities. This is where working with an experienced agent with the Strategic Price Specialist designation is critical. “Strategically pricing a listing helps us net more money in the long run. You don’t want to list the home for your highest price and hope for the best. When you price too high or over what the market will bear, it makes it harder for the seller to net their target proceeds from the sale,” said Kristy.
For Buyers, it’s critical that you know your purchasing power upfront. Often buyers start shopping for a home and develop emotional attachments and unrealistic expectations before they’ve talked to a mortgage lender to see what’s possible. Kristy added, “Choose an agent that has partnerships with multiple lenders. Your agent should be able to connect you with a lender that fits your financial circumstances. Ultimately, both you and your real estate agent need to know what price range you’ll feel comfortable in, and consulting with a lender upfront is the best way to determine that.”
Researching Potential Agents
Start your search by looking up agents online, reading reviews, and asking for recommendations from friends or family who have recently bought or sold property in Cary. It’s crucial to focus on agents who specialize in the Cary market. They should have a strong track record of successful transactions in the area.
An agent’s qualifications testify to their professionalism and commitment to their field. Look for licensed agents who are committed to learning and honing their craft, and are part of reputable real estate organizations. Their experience, especially in Cary, will give you insight into their market knowledge and expertise. An agent well-versed in the local market can provide valuable insights into neighborhood trends, property values, local schools, and available amenities.
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, you want to find an agent that can evaluate the market in terms of your needs and achieving your goals. They have to be able to put your needs as a client first
Kristy Becker
Interviewing Candidates
Once you’ve narrowed your list, set up meetings to interview the potential agents. Ask about their marketing strategies (for sellers), how they find properties (for buyers), their communication style, and how they handle negotiations. These conversations can reveal their understanding of the Cary market and your needs.
It’s essential to evaluate how well the agent knows the local market. Kristy pointed out, “You want to work with an agent that knows their numbers. In our office, we track several metrics that help us understand how to guide clients. For example, we track the average percentage over list price houses sell for, the average number of days homes stay on the market, the average sale price, and several others. They need to know the pulse of the market. Like right now, for buyers, there’s not a lot of negotiating prices. Despite everyone thinking that prices should be coming down, overall they’re not. In fact, the average sale price in Cary has been on the rise since October.”
Assessing Compatibility and Communication
Choosing an agent isn’t just about their track record; it’s also about how well you get along with them. You need someone who listens, understands your needs, and communicates clearly and promptly. A good rapport and mutual respect are foundational to a successful partnership.
You want to work with an agent who is willing to give you their honest assessment and feedback. One that can serve as a guide to help you make smart financial decisions. “Whether you’re a buyer or seller, you want to find an agent that can evaluate the market in terms of your needs and achieving your goals. They have to be able to put your needs as a client first,” stated Kristy.
Take your time deciding. Consider each agent’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to your specific needs. Trust your instincts about whom you feel most comfortable and confident working with.
Conclusion
Choosing the right real estate agent in Cary, NC, is a crucial step in buying or selling a home. It requires research, evaluation, and thoughtful consideration, but the effort will pay off as a smoother, more successful transaction. Approach the process with patience and optimism, and you’ll find a partner who can help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence.
Once you’ve chosen an agent, the key to a successful partnership is clear expectations and open communication. Be honest about what you want, stay engaged in the process, and be open to your agent’s advice and expertise.
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