For most people in Dublin, buying or selling a house is one of the most expensive they will ever make. This makes it important for them to get solid advice during the process. Real estate transactions can be very complicated and involve adhering to specific laws. As such, most sellers and buyers turn to a qualified estate agent to guide them through the often, overwhelming and time-consuming process. However, with so many agents out there claiming to be the best, it can be hard to know where to begin. Not to fret because, in this read, we’ll discuss some helpful tips to help you find a reputable estate agent in Dublin such as Conerney.
Ask for a Referral
When hunting for a new house, consider reaching out to your personal network to find out whether your friends and family members had good experiences with their agents. Asking an individual you know and trust for a referral is an excellent way to ease the research process. Once you’ve gathered several leads, calling them to check their experience and credentials will be easy.
Look for Experience & Expertise
When doing your hunt, you do not want to skimp on the agent’s experience and expertise. Look for a real estate agent who has a proven track record of successfully helping people buy or sell property in Dublin. They should not only be extremely knowledgeable about the local market but have several years of experience in the real estate industry.
It is important to note that some agents focus on certain types of properties or neighbourhoods and so, look for one with experience in the kind of property you want.
Check References and Reviews
Do not skip the chance to call the agent’s previous clients to find out whether they were satisfied with their experience. If that is the case, it is likely you will be as well. In addition, they will be able to tell how the negotiations occurred, giving you an idea of how the real estate agent will fight to snag the best deal for you.
You’ll also want to check the online reviews of the agent or their company. Look for reviews on sites like Google, Bing or Facebook and real estate websites like Trulia and Zillow. If the agent has a large number of negative reviews, that might be a red flag and it’s best to seek assistance elsewhere.
Verify Licensing & Credentials
In Dublin, real estate agents are required to be licensed by the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). Before choosing an agent, you should verify that they are properly licensed and in good standing with the PSRA. You can easily achieve this by checking the PSRA’s website, which maintains a public register of licensed agents.
Also, it is wise to consider agents with additional credentials or certifications like the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation or the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation. Such designations are a sign that the real estate agent has received additional training and shown a high level of expertise in the industry.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Pick a real estate agent that will work for you instead of attempting to push you to make a deal that doesn’t align with your interests. It is paramount that you feel the agent is listening and acting in your best interest. Plus, you will want a person who is not hesitant to tell you when you ask for unrealistic or impossible things. Honesty is the best policy.
Do Interviews
You’ll get to learn a lot more about the agent by conducting an interview. Ask them relevant questions about their recent deals and if they represent sellers, buyers or both. Ask about the general price range or their sales or listings to ensure they will be a good fit for a property within your budget.
Be a Great Communicator
On the other hand, do not expect the agent to read your mind. So, ensure you are upfront and honest regarding your needs and current situation. Let them know if you have recently lost a job, have credit issues or any other factors that may affect a home transaction. Seasoned real estate agents can help you fix your credit, direct you toward institutions that offer the best mortgage deals and help with other matters. However, this can only be possible if you’re a good communicator!
Do Not be Afraid to Switch
Even after conducting comprehensive research, it is not uncommon to find an agent that just doesn’t match your needs. It is okay to get another agent, even if you signed a contract. Most real estate agents in Dublin will agree to end the contract instead of forcing an agent-client relationship that is not working out.
The Takeaway
Buying a home for the first time is costly and involves a lot of paperwork among other tasks. With the tips mentioned above, however, you’ll be able to pick a seasoned real estate agent who can help secure your dream home or sell your property in Dublin.
