Real estate agents play a pivotal role in any property transactions. Whether you are buying a plot or a home, having the best real estate agent in Kenya is the first step in the right direction. If you are still wondering whether you need one, read this piece.
Despite hundreds of real estate agents existing, not all can get the job done. If you are not careful, you can easily lose your hard-earned money at the hands of fraudsters. In this article, we will guide you on what to look for when choosing a real estate agent.
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Agent
1. Experience
Property selling and buying is a complex process on all fronts. You need an agent who knows the trade to get the best deal. And that can only happen if they have been in the game long enough.
You cannot compare an agency that has been active for a year and another for 10 years. The latter will always offer you better results. Longevity in the industry provides an invaluable experience that is critical for success.
2. Management
Research shows that agencies without well-structured management have a high chance of failure. A Board of management-led realtors has minimal chances of failure.
When looking for a trustworthy agent, do not be ashamed to go that extra mile in scrutiny. Ask about their organizational system. You can as well search for this information online.
A visit to their offices is even better. It will give you the opportunity to interact with the staff. Here, you can assess other factors as well.
3. Location
Chances are that an agent close to your preferred location will offer you better deals. First of all, they have first-hand information about the neighborhood.
On the other hand, online agents who only interact with property owners virtually cannot be reliable. Their lack of familiarity with the property surroundings can work against you.
4. Reputation
Reputation is a vital ingredient when it comes to buying and selling. The agent’s reputation is based on how they treat their clients during and after transactions. When shopping for one, watch out for people with a questionable reputation.
Any agency with bad or unclear history should be a no-go zone. Inorder to gather information about an agent’s reputation, talk to their previous clients. You can also read their online reviews to gauge clientele satisfaction.
5. Passion
Are you wondering how to judge a passionate agency? There are a number of things you can look out for. Start with their website. A passionate agency will always have a professional website. They will also have social media presence with updated content.
A good real estate agent will always have new content to share with their client. Besides, they have new properties flowing in which they want to show. A lack of content may mean that the agency is not trustworthy.
6. Communication skills
A good agent should be a good listener. The moment you notice an agent is not a good listener, that should be a red flag. You need an active listener who will identify with your specifics. Only such an agent can get you the kind of property you want.
7. Partnership
When looking for a real estate agent, you’re not looking for a boss. You need professionals who will be willing to walk with you throughout the journey. You need an agent who will advise you based on prevailing real estate conditions from the start to the end.
To gauge this, you may need to observe the agent for a while. Try engaging them for weeks, months, or even a year. Then make your decision based on their response. We hope this piece gave you an idea on how to choose the best real estate agent in Kenya.
