Choosing a Luxury Real Estate Agent
♫ July 13th, 2012 11:29 amWhen buying or selling a luxury property finding the right luxury real estate agent is key. Real estate agents who specialize in luxury properties have connections. They may be able find a buyer without advertising. And they may be able to find you the perfect home even if it isn’t listed. Large sums of money are at stake in a luxury property transaction so having the right agent with the right contacts is essential. There are several ways to find the right agent.
Choose a real estate agent with experience in the specific kind of luxury property you are looking for. If you are looking for a high end condominiums, for example, then choose an agent who specializes in that kind of property. One way to find an agent is to inquire at some high end properties as they are likely to be used to working with these agents. For a luxury home, ask some homeowners associations in neighborhoods with luxury homes.
Another way to find a luxury real estate agent is to take note of the listings of luxury homes in the newspaper and online. If you see that a certain agent seems to be listing many of homes that you are interested, or you see his name on many of the signs in the neighborhoods that you prefer, then this is a sign that he is specializing in luxury homes.
Get referrals from coworkers, friends, or family members. If someone has had a good experience buying or selling a luxury property with an agent then they will gladly refer you. If a certain agent’s name keeps coming up when you ask people for a referral then this would be a good agent to check out.
Look for an agent with a firm that is known to handle luxury real estate. Depending on where you live a small boutique agency may have built a fine reputation for that market. In contrast the big players in the luxury real estate market where you are may be the large firms with many associates. If you choose a large firms look for the agents who win the top producer awards.
Interview several agents. Ask to see what properties they have closed the deals on in the last twelve months. Look online at their website. If you are a seller ask how they will market and promote your home. If you are a buyer then ask how they plan to find you the right home. Just using the MLS listings is not enough. Make sure they have the basics; their license, up to date training and work at real estate full time. Also ask if they are a broker or an agent. A broker generally has more experience and training.
Professionals in the real estate industry can often recommend the right agent. Ask home inspectors, mortgage brokers or even other real estate agents for their recommendations. Most people in the industry know each other and a real estate agent’s reputation will be known to them even if it’s not known to the public.