Licensed Vs. Experienced: How To Pick A Real Estate Agent
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home, understanding how to pick a real estate agent is essential. But with so many qualified candidates in the marketplace, how can you possibly know where to start? Well, contrary to what some may believe, having a real estate license does not necessarily mean someone is qualified to work with you.
Instead, you need to look for someone who has extensive experience working with the type of property you’re interested in. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the difference between having a license versus having experience and how to make sure you’re working with the right person.
Licensed Vs. Experienced: What’s The Difference
Obviously, ensuring someone has a real estate license is the first step in vetting a potential agent. That being said, having a license in your state does not mean that they have enough experience to understand your needs. For example, someone with extensive experience will be able to:
-Provide in-depth insight into market trends and other factors that impact the buying or selling process.
-Connect you with high-quality brokers and lenders.
-Guide you seamlessly through the transaction process. …and so much more.
More to the point, an experienced real estate agent will often be more interested in meeting your needs than an experienced agent who is simply looking to seal their next deal. This is especially true if you’re dealing with a very specific team of real estate needs, like a lot of land or commercial property. At the end of the day, your agent’s goal should always be to ensure that your vision comes to life, not the other way around.
How To Find An Experienced Real Estate Agent
Beyond doing research to confirm that your agent is indeed licensed in your state, there are a few other things you can look for that indicate whether or not they have enough experience.
Referrals
When an agent has been referred by someone you already know and trust, it’s usually a good indication that they have the experience you’re looking for. Referrals can come from many different sources, including friends, family members, co-workers, and even other real estate professionals. So, don’t be afraid to ask around when looking for agents!
Testimonials
Another indication of an agent’s experience is the number of reviews or testimonials they have available. If you come across an agent’s website or social media page and they don’t have testimonials readily available, this is typically a sign they haven’t had enough experience in the actual market.
Awards & Recognition
Finally, many experienced agents receive awards and recognition both locally and nationally for their hard work. As you research potential realtors, make sure you check their resume or website for any accolades that add to their experience.
Where To Get Started
Finding an experienced real estate agent doesn’t have to be complicated if you know where to start. Ask around to people you know who have recently sold or bought a property, or conduct your own research online. At Pan Florida Realty, we’re proud to employ some of the most highly experienced real estate agents in the state. Connect with us to learn more about our team today.
