If you like to check online reviews before you buy a product or service, you’re probably as happy as we are about the proliferation of review websites.
But do you ever wonder whether those glowingly positive reviews are fake? We don’t blame you! Skepticism is healthy. Thankfully, some sites, like Yelp, have strict policies to ensure that reviews are from real people who’ve actually used the product or service.
It might not be as easy to find reviews of Southern Maryland real estate agents as it is to find restaurant reviews, but they’re out there. And, when it comes to something as complicated as a real estate transaction, well, it’s only natural to want to learn about others’ experiences with a particular agent.
But – are these reviews real?
If you read reviews at Zillow, there’s this from a Zillow rep: “We do have published rules and guidelines around our reviews. In addition, our general Terms of Use is also applicable. Having said this, we are certainly very aware of and keep a close eye on techniques used for submitting fake reviews . . . We take this very seriously. . .”
It’s safe to say that it would be pretty hard to submit a fake real estate agent review at Zillow.
You shouldn’t take lightly the process of choosing the right representative for you in your real estate purchase or sale. The person you decide to hire will be responsible for steering your transaction to a smooth and lucrative closing. Choose the wrong agent, and you could open yourself to stress, aggravation, and, possibly, loss of money.
So, how do you find the right Southern Maryland agent? Starting online, looking for proof from others, is a good place to start. You should read agent reviews on Zillow, Yelp and elsewhere, but don’t stop there. Visit agents’ websites and look for evidence of their expertise and integrity.
Then, you should narrow down your choices to at least three agents to interview. Ask each one for references from past clients. Insist on getting phone numbers so that you can call each one and ask questions about the services they received.
Ask the right questions
First, you need to know what kind of Southern Maryland real estate agent you want to work with and what attributes are important to you. Most of our clients are looking for someone responsive – someone who returns their calls, emails, and texts within a reasonable amount of time.
They also complained about agents who didn’t listen to them. Make a list of what is important to you and use it as you interview agents. Look for cues that they are actually listening to you.
It’s important to ask potential agents the right questions, but it’s just as important to listen to the types of questions that the agent asks you. If you’re a buyer, did he or she ask about your pre-approval status and explain why that’s important? If you’re selling, did the agent ask about your preferred timeline?
Pertinent questions that are specific to your transaction are important signs that you’re interviewing a good agent.
It takes money to make money
I don’t know who first said that “it takes money to make money,” but whoever it was, nailed it. And it is even more important when it comes to selling a Southern Maryland home.
You’ll want to learn all you can about each agent’s marketing plan, but it’s even more important to ask about their marketing budgets. A new or part-time agent may be (but not necessarily) operating on a shoestring, and you could get bare bones marketing services.
Properly marketing a home requires pulling out all the stops. It requires both innovative thinking and tried-and-true tactics. Since first impressions are critical, the services of a professional photographer and maybe a stager are a must. Marketing to multiple platforms is crucial.
Find out whether each agent you interview has a marketing budget to cover these services, or will you be expected to pay for them?
Finding the right Southern Maryland real estate agent to sell or buy a home can seem like looking for the needle in the proverbial haystack, but it doesn’t have to be. Start your search with reviews on Yelp, social media, and big real estate portals like Zillow and Trulia.
Then, interview a few of the best reviewed ones, remembering to pay attention to their listening skills and the questions they ask. If you’re still skeptical, ask for references so you can call past clients and speak with them.
Hughesville MD Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services in Southern Maryland. You now have a search engine to help you with your Southern Maryland home search! And I’m ready to provide you with a custom home valuation if you’re considering selling your home. Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you. Contact Kimberly Bean at 301-440-1309
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