Purchasing your own home is part of every quintessential Singaporean’s dream, but when the time comes to actually doing it, one will realise that it is not all that simple. Think of the complicated process of endless paperwork, back and forth discussions and endless viewings. That is why the vast majority of people opt to acquire a real estate agent, to sort out what to us may be nitty gritty details that are second nature to them.
While you don’t have to look far to find an agent, a quality agent secures a quality home for the buyer, there are no two ways about it. In Singapore there are currently 30,399 registered agents and counting, so what should you be looking out for when choosing a potential agent for your lovely new abode? While every agent has their own strengths and weaknesses, here are some essential pointers to consider before settling on your real estate agent.
#1 Chemistry
No matter how good an agent’s qualifications are, it would be best if you still felt comfortable and in sync with your agent. Only when you think that you and your agent are in tune with each other can they source for properties they can feel match you. Take it like how you make friends, there are your best friends, and have those you do not get along with.
Getting that chemistry with an agent will go a long way in your home search as you will communicate regularly with them, so you should find someone you can click with. You will have to be comfortable telling your agent what you like and do not like; hence ensuring you can treat your agent with a certain level of friendliness will make your house-choosing process easier. After all, this is no small purchase, so you should have a level of comfort and trust in your agent to ensure a smooth process.
#2 Referrals
In this industry, word of is mouth is king. Ask trusted friends or family members and your existing network for their real estate agent contacts. That’s usually a good metric of how well the agent did when they handled your kin’s house purchase. In the same vein, take heed when the same people advise you against specific agents. It’s always safer and more reliable to hear from people who have experience working with such agents than trusting online advertisements altogether.
#3 Passion for the industry
While experience and knowledge of the market is essential to any good real estate agent, an agent with the drive and tenacity to put their passion into practice will undoubtedly stand out. Agents who genuinely have a passion for the industry will stand out among their peers due to their dedication, and they’ll leave no stone unturned to find a suitable listing for you. Sure, having a well-established agent is always a plus. Still, someone with slightly less experience but more passion for their role will work their hardest to give you quality work, using their passion to make up for their lack of experience.
We also outlined a few qualities that an excellent real estate agent possesses; read about it here!
#4 Talk to your agent
Like any relationship, communication is essential and being able to sit down and have your queries and concerns heard by your agent is crucial for a good transaction. While a phone call is fine, sitting down with them and talking face to face will be better; after all, they are the ones handling a significant aspect of your life – your future home.
A good agent will be able to help you through the rough patches of a home purchase; they settle the complex parts so you can rest easier at night. Hence, finding someone you feel like you can trust and communicate well with will make your home purchasing process infinitely more manageable.
Here are some questions to ask your future real estate agent:
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What is your preferred way of communication?
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What makes you different from other agents?
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What is your track record like?
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What is your style of working with your clients?
Closing Thoughts
While every agent possesses a certain calibre level, everyone has different working and communication styles; hence, it’s vital to find someone who suits you. It takes time and energy to find people you can click with with any relationship. Here at PLB, we always put our clients first, and our experienced and resourceful team of agents are hand-picked to be part of our group and will make you feel at home. Are you interested in buying or selling your home? Contact us here for a consultation!
