How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for Your Needs?

 Buying and selling property needs a clear vision and true dedication. As individuals, we often get sidetracked and end up making bad decisions for ourselves. With so many options on the table, selecting the real estate broker can be overwhelming. Going with the right realtors can make your experience simple and stress-free. But the question is, “How to make that happen?”. In this article, we will share some questions you can ask the right  real estate agent for your requirements.

1. What Experience Do They Have?

Experience is not just about how long an agent has been in this business; it’s about their awareness of the local market and particular property types. Buyers and sellers should question them about their recent sales in their area—what properties sold in the last 3-6 months, at what prices, and after how long. Questions like, “What are the prices of identical properties?” can also disclose a broker's market knowledge.

An experienced agent in the Swiss real estate market will be careful about listing a home at an exorbitant price and should be able to give data-backed insights on pricing trends. It’s important to ask how often they’ve had to reduce a property’s price to complete a sale.

2. What’s Their Marketing Plan?

It’s important to get a detailed overview of how the broker plans to market the property. Inquire about their strategies—do they have innovative ideas that have proven effective? This could include creating engaging blog content or hosting exclusive events, such as private cocktail parties for select brokers and potential buyers.

Since most buyers search online, it’s critical to review examples of their web listings. Ensure that professional photography is part of the marketing budget; a talented photographer can highlight your property’s best features, such as stunning views or unique architectural details.

3. How Will They Keep You Informed?

Communication is key in the real estate process. Sellers should express their preferred communication methods—whether by text, phone, or email. It’s necessary to clarify that texting should not be used for legal documentation. Ask the broker if they can commit to providing regular, detailed written updates every 2 weeks and options on real estate financing.

Also, check if they have a reliable colleague who can step in when they’re unavailable, and ensure that no one can view the property without the broker or their representative present.

4. What’s Their Commission?

Every real estate agent has a commission rate. For example, the standard rate of real estate Schweiz is around 5%. However, commission rates can be negotiated, and it’s important to discuss this upfront. Ask them to see a breakdown of the budget to understand which expenses will come out of their commission and what costs you may need to cover yourself, such as staging or marketing materials.

5. How Well Connected Are They?

When you evaluate an agent’s connections, it’s not about their social media following but rather their relationships within the real estate community. An experienced agent should have a strong network of contacts, real estate lawyers, photographers, and reliable moving services. These connections can be invaluable during the selling process.

6. Do They Have Any References?

Never skip this step. Request the names of recent clients and make sure to follow up with calls. While having testimonials can be helpful, personal conversations with previous clients can provide deeper insights into the broker’s performance and reliability.

Checklist for Hiring Real Estate Agent

In addition to the questions aforementioned, there are some other factors to consider when picking a real estate agent.

1. Availability Matters

It’s crucial to find a broker who is easily available to show your home or help you in viewing properties if you’re a buyer. Ask random agents about their flexibility for showings and if they can accommodate your schedule. 

2. Look for Suggestions

A knowledgeable real estate agent should be able to provide statistics on features that sell homes in the area. During the first meeting, ask if there are any adjustments they could make to enhance your home’s appeal. Often, top agents will offer helpful suggestions without needing to be prompted.

3. Choose a Local Expert

Selecting a broker with extensive knowledge of the local area is mandatory. These agents will have a better grasp of typical home prices and market trends. To find a local expert, consider asking for referrals from local brokerages or checking community real estate publications to see which one has the most listings.

4. Find Someone You Connect With

For sellers, it’s important to work with an agent whose personality complements theirs. Suppose you are looking for a house in St. Gallen real estate. A good relationship will make sure that both parties align on key factors, such as marketing strategies, pricing, and arranging visits. When both the seller and the agent are on the same page, the selling process is likely to be smoother and more successful.

The Bottom Line

Do not sign any agreement just because you have retained the best real estate agent. While your current agent can be competent, if you are a seller, the more agents you will have in your sight, the better your chances of closing deals. Moreover, you can work with WENET AG, a reputable partner in real estate, for assistance with any type of real estate transaction in Switzerland.