Let’s face it, navigating the Boston market can be a whirlwind – especially when it comes to finding the right real estate agent. Sure, online reviews can be a starting point, but they don’t always paint the whole picture. Here at Hilary Dunlavey Homes, we believe in building genuine connections with our clients.
Many local large real estate brokers will spend thousands of dollars each month to ensure that their agents are the most visible, whether it be online, in the Yellow Pages, or by erecting giant billboards in the most trafficked sections of Boston.
However, the agents backed by the most promotion dollars aren’t always the best, and may not be a good fit for your circumstances. In today’s piece, we’re going to look at how you can find a good real estate agent in Boston.
Let’s break down the key steps on how to find a Boston-area real estate agent who will champion your needs and deliver exceptional service.
HOW TO FIND A GOOD REAL ESTATE AGENT IN BOSTON – BEYOND THE REVIEWS: BUILDING TRUST THROUGH TRANSPARENCY
While online reviews can offer a glimpse into an agent’s past performance, they shouldn’t be the sole factor. Here at Hilary Dunlavey Homes, we believe in open communication and building trust. That’s why we’re happy to connect you with past clients who can share their firsthand experiences. They’ll tell you about our negotiation strategies, marketing approach, and overall responsiveness – the things that truly matter.
Also, reviews are one of the best ways to see how any real estate professional does out in the marketplace.
As a last way to check out the agent… hit Google and type in “[name of agent] reviews” and see what pops up in the Google search. If you see a bunch of bad reviews on websites like yelp and others… see if the agent tried to engage with those negative reviewers online to resolve the situation.
ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS FOR BOSTON’S UNIQUE MARKET
Don’t settle for generic questions during your agent interviews. Greater Boston’s real estate landscape is dynamic, and your agent’s local expertise is crucial. Here are some questions we recommend asking to assess an agent’s understanding of your specific needs:
Hyperlocal Knowledge: “Can you walk me through recent sales of similar properties in my neighborhood? What trends are you seeing specific to my area?”
Market Fluctuations: “How do you stay ahead of the curve in a fast-paced market like Boston’s? What strategies will you use to ensure my property is competitively priced?”
Marketing Savvy: “How will you showcase my home to a targeted audience of qualified buyers? What marketing channels and platforms do you utilize?”
It’s important to choose an agent who has experience working with homes similar to yours.
Experience Matters, But Fit Matters More
Credentials are important, but the agent-client dynamic is equally crucial. You’ll be working closely with this person throughout your real estate journey, so finding someone you trust and feel comfortable with is essential.
Here at Hilary Dunlavey Homes, we understand that buying or selling a home is a significant life decision. We don’t take that lightly. That’s why we offer a free consultation where you can get to know me, discuss your goals, and ask any questions you might have.
CHECK THE REAL ESTATE AGENT’S CREDENTIALS
Check with your state’s real estate regulatory authority to verify the agent’s licensing. While you’re on that website, you’re also often able to look into regulatory actions and complaints against the agent.
You should also ask the agent how long they’ve been buying and selling homes. If they’re representing an agency, ask how long they’ve been with that particular agency, and their history with other firms.
Above all, it’s important to choose a real estate agent in Boston that you can trust. Regular communication is extremely important when selling your home, as in many cases, a house represents the majority of your net worth. A good agent will be able to answer questions such as:
How many inquiries have been made about my home?
How many of these inquiries came from people likely to make a purchase (not just window shoppers)?
What other properties in this neighborhood are for sale? What is the asking price of those homes?
ASK THE LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT HOW THEY PLAN ON SELLING YOUR HOUSE
Sometimes going the direct route is the best. In the case of looking for a local Boston MA real estate agent, ask them how they intend on selling your house for you that the other agents in town won’t do. And see what their answer is.
Usually the great ones actually have a marketing plan and will get your house out there and on the market in a big way.
THIS IS WHERE LOW PRICED ISN’T ALWAYS THE BEST
Often times Boston MA home sellers want to go with the lowest priced option.
Heck, when you look at the numbers… if a real estate agent is earning 3% on a $100,000 sale… that’s $3,000 in fees just to 1 real estate agent (usually both agents representing the buyer and the seller earn commission)… it isn’t cheap. But just really do your research before you go with a cut rate agent or a flat fee agent… because that usually means that the service you’re getting is also a lower level service.
Some of the best real estate agents in Boston have great marketing systems and are able to sell homes faster and for higher prices. So even if you find someone to sell your house at a 1.5% fee… look long and hard at whether you’ll be saving money long term.
The same goes for selling your house to a local real estate investor like Hilary Dunlavey Homes. The highest priced offer isn’t always the best. Look at the terms of the deal the house buyer offers you… and ensure they can close on-time… because every month that goes by costs you money (your mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.) to hold the property.
It’s important to avoid low-quality real estate agents. These could be “rookies” who will do anything to make their first sale (including leaving dollars on the table). A good real estate can make selling your home an extremely smooth experience, and will work in your best interest.
Here’s how I, as your local market insider, can help you dig deeper:
Hyperlocal Expertise: The Boston area is a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and market trends. I possess a deep understanding of these nuances, from the charming brownstones of Beacon Hill to the vibrant young professional scene in Somerville. When you work with me, you get a realtor who knows the ins and outs of your desired area, ensuring a strategic approach tailored to your specific location.
Targeted Market Analysis: Data is powerful, but local knowledge is key. I’ll go beyond basic statistics and provide insights into recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood. This allows for a realistic pricing strategy, whether you’re buying or selling.
The Power of Network: As a top realtor in Greater Boston, I’ve cultivated strong relationships with other professionals. This network includes mortgage lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and even contractors – a team of experts ready to support you throughout the entire process.
Considering All Options: We’re Here to Guide You
While a traditional agent is often the best route, we recognize that there might be situations where a cash offer from a real estate investor makes sense. If that’s a path you’re considering, we can connect you with reputable, local investors who prioritize fair offers and a smooth transaction.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But by working with a trusted real estate professional who understands the Greater Boston market and prioritizes your needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a successful and stress-free real estate experience.
So go out there and do your research and find a local real estate agent.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Contact Hilary Dunlavey Homes today for a free consultation! Let’s chat about your real estate goals and explore how I can help you navigate the exciting world of Boston real estate.
This blog originally appeared: https://hdunlaveyseller.carrot.com/blog/how-to-find-a-good-real-estate-agent-in-boston/