Are you aware that more than 21,000 people in Minnesota are licensed to sell real estate? Picking an agent who is well-versed in the local market and the real estate industry can be overwhelming. After all, you literally have over 21,000 different options to choose from.
As one of the leading real estate agencies in Minneapolis, we know how challenging it can be to find the right agent to help you with your home buying or selling needs. Here are some tips on how to find a reliable Minneapolis real estate agency that can make the process smoother and more efficient for you.
Carry out due diligence
One of the most costly mistakes home buyers and sellers make is choosing an agent without doing proper research. Don’t just settle for the first agency you come across or the one with the most flashy advertisements. Take your time to do some background checks, read reviews from previous clients, and, most importantly – check for a license.
While you’re figuring out how to choose a real estate agent, it’s important to remember that they’re licensed and monitored by state regulatory bodies. Each state’s regulatory organization has its own set of guidelines that realtors need to follow to keep working in the industry. Thankfully, this information is easily accessible to the public. All you need to do is go online and search using the agent’s license number or name, and their details should appear. You can even find out if an agent has had any complaints or disciplinary actions against them.
Request a list of recent clients
Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property, gathering some background information about the real estate agent you’re considering is important. Start by asking the agent for a list of a few clients they’ve worked with recently. This will help you determine if they have the necessary experience and capability to assist with your home-buying or selling journey.
Find out from their past clients what the initial price of the property was and what it eventually sold for. If you’re selling, check with those clients to see if their properties have features similar to yours. You should also learn about the location of those properties, the original asking prices, and the final sale amounts. You need a Minneapolis real estate agency that specializes in the type of property you’re interested in buying or selling.
While figuring out how to choose a great real estate agent, ask the most important question: how long were their properties listed before they sold? You don’t want to end up with a realtor who takes forever to sell or find a home for you. Knowing the average time their past properties spent on the market can give you a good sense of their efficiency and effectiveness in closing deals.
List down at least three top choices with over a decade of experience
When you’re picking a Minneapolis real estate agency, it’s smart to look for those who have been in the business for over 10 years. Agents with this much experience have likely seen all kinds of market changes and can offer helpful advice on the city’s real estate scene. They usually have a wide network that helps match buyers with the right homes quickly and gives sellers access to keen, qualified buyers. Plus, their negotiating skills have been honed over time, making sure you get the best deal possible. It’s a good idea to list down at least three top choices with this level of experience and do further research on their track record and client reviews.
Inquire about their communication style
Let the agent know your preferred way of communicating, whether it’s through text, phone calls, or emails. Remember, it’s best to keep important legal matters over more formal channels like phone or email rather than text. Also, ask if they can promise to send regular updates, say every couple of weeks, about their marketing and activities. Make sure they’re easy to reach whenever you have questions or need a status update. A good real estate agent should always keep you in the loop and maintain open communication throughout the entire process.
Ask if they offer a flat-fee MLS listing
In most real estate transactions, there are usually two brokers involved: one for the seller and one for the buyer. The seller’s broker, known as the listing broker, typically earns a commission of about 5-6% when the property is sold. This commission is usually divided equally with the buyer’s broker. However, with a flat-fee MLS listing in Minnesota, you can avoid the portion of the commission that the listing broker keeps, which is about 2.5-3%. This option allows you to save a significant amount of money while still enjoying the broad exposure of having your property listed on the MLS.
With our broker reciprocity system, your property will get exposure on hundreds of public websites that list by-owner MLS properties, such as realtor.com. Your MLS listing will also be visible on major platforms like MLS Online Minnesota, giving you maximum exposure to potential buyers. By using our flat-fee MLS listing service, you have the chance to connect with buyers who are not represented by an agent, meaning you won’t have to pay any commission. This can result in significant savings, potentially thousands of dollars.
Call Real Estate Corners at (612) 483-1230 and see how our Minneapolis real estate agency can help you sell your property. With over two decades of experience, we are sure to provide you with the best guidance and advice for your real estate needs.
