How to Hire A Real Estate Agent

How hiring a real estate agent is one of the most crucial steps in your home journey. Think about it—you’ll be spending days, evenings, and weekends with this person, navigating one of life’s biggest decisions. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework and choose an agent who’s the right fit for you.

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some tips to make your decision easier and set you up for success in finding your dream home. Let’s get started!

How to Hire a Real Estate Agent: Tap Your Friends and Family

Looking to hire a real estate agent? Start by tapping into one of the best resources at your disposal: your family and friends. If someone you know has recently bought or sold a home, ask them about their experience.

Key questions to consider:

• What did they like about the agent they worked with?
• Would they hire that agent again?

Personal referrals often reveal insights about communication styles, local expertise, and negotiation skills. By starting with trusted recommendations, you’re one step closer to finding a real estate agent who’s not just qualified but also a great fit for your needs.

How To Hire a Real Estate Agent: Do Your Home work

In today’s digital age, researching a real estate agent online is a must. If you’ve received referrals, take the next step by digging into their online presence. At a minimum, a great agent should have a professional website. Beyond that, look for social media profiles, client reviews, and testimonials.

Why is this important? Conducting some quick “detective work” gives you valuable insight into an agent’s activity, personality, and professional reputation—before you even pick up the phone.

Hiring a real estate agent is a big decision, and a little online research can help ensure you choose someone who’s active, reliable, and the perfect fit for your real estate journey.

How to Hire a Real Estate Agent: Why the First Call Matters

When I recently hired an attorney to handle a speeding ticket through a phone app, the process was completely impersonal. I never even spoke to them. But hiring a real estate agent? That’s a whole different ballgame. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them. You are going to cry, laugh, and celebrate on your journey. Real estate is personal by nature, and choosing the right agent requires connection and trust.

After researching agents online, send an email or text to set up an initial call—it’s a crucial step. This call gives you a chance to ask important questions and get a sense of whether the agent is the right fit for your needs.

Here are a few questions to guide your conversation:

• How long have you been in the real estate business?
• Are you a full-time agent? What’s your availability like?
• What’s your process for working with clients?
• What areas do you specialize in?
• What is your fee?

If the call goes well and you both agree it’s a good match, you can discuss the next steps in the process. Not ready to decide just yet? Let the agent know so they can follow up with you at a future date you both agree on.

Remember, hiring a real estate agent isn’t just a business decision—it’s about finding someone you trust to guide you through one of life’s biggest transactions. Make that first call count!

Understanding the Buyer Representation Agreement

In Washington State, real estate agents must have a buyer representation agreement in place before providing services to buyers. This legal requirement ensures you have an agent who’s committed to representing your best interests—and it clarifies their compensation upfront, so there are no surprises during your transaction.

Many people hesitate to sign documents that feel binding, but here’s the good news: a buyer’s agreement can be terminated at any time by either party with notice. While termination doesn’t affect any existing contractual rights, it gives you flexibility if things aren’t working out.

When you hire a real estate agent, make sure to discuss the details of the agreement, which typically covers:

• The term of your partnership.
• The areas served by the agent.
• The fee the buyer’s agent will be paid.

Signing a buyer representation agreement doesn’t just protect the agent—it protects you too. It establishes a clear understanding so you can move forward confidently in your home-buying journey with an agent who has your back.

Now You’re Ready

These are the basics to hiring a real estate agent to help you on your journey. Follow my advice and I’m sure you will be able to find a real estate agent for a lifetime.

• Tap your friends and Family
• Do your homework
• Make the Call
• Buyer Representation Agreement

Give me a call 206.795.6292, I’m ready for our consultation.