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Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent in Denver
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, working with a knowledgeable real estate agent in Denver can make the process much smoother. However, with so many agents to choose from in the Denver metro area, finding one that fits your needs and budget is crucial. Here are some key things to consider when selecting a real estate agent in Denver.
Get Referrals From Trusted Sources
One of the best ways to find a qualified real estate agent is to ask for referrals from people you trust – friends, family members, and coworkers who have recently bought or sold homes. Ask them about their experience working with specific agents – what they liked about the agent, what could have been improved, and if they would recommend them. Positive word-of-mouth is valuable when choosing someone to help with such a significant financial transaction.
Interview Multiple Agents
Don’t feel obligated to choose the first agent you speak to. Take the time to interview at least 3-5 highly referred agents to compare experiences, qualifications, communication styles, and fees. In the initial meeting, discuss the agent’s expertise, track record, marketing plan, negotiating tactics, and availability to represent you throughout the home buying or selling process.
Check Licensing and Experience
The state of Colorado must license all real estate agents. Check the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website to verify an agent’s license is active and in good standing. Also consider an agent’s years of experience, total number of transactions completed, and experience specifically in the Denver market and with properties similar to what you’re looking for. More experienced agents will have finely tuned negotiation skills and market knowledge.
Consider an Agent’s Marketing Plan
How does the agent plan to market and expose your home to potential buyers? Ask about their various marketing channels, such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), social media, print publications, open houses, etc. A full-service marketing plan will give your home the best chance of a quick sale. When buying a home, ask how the agent plans to help you find properties, including inventory from acquisition firms operating as “we buy houses offices in Colorado.”
Check Online Reviews
Do an online search for any agent under consideration to read reviews from past clients on sites like Zillow, Redfin, Google, and Facebook. Look for consistent feedback about communication, work ethic, negotiation skills, and client satisfaction. Be wary of agents with few or no reviews, which may indicate a lack of experience. Reviews are an excellent way to validate what you learn directly from interviewing agents.
Consider Pricing Models and Fees
Real estate agents in Denver typically work on a commission-based model, where the seller pays a percentage of the final sale price (usually around 6%). However, some agents offer flat or hourly fee options as well. It’s essential to understand any upfront or additional costs. When buying, confirm if the seller is providing any buyer agent commission to compensate for finding them a buyer.
Check Available Time and Resources
The home buying and selling process requires availability and responsiveness from your agent. Make sure to hire an agent who will be readily accessible via phone, text, and email during evenings and weekends when you may have questions. Larger brokerages can provide additional support staff if your primary agent has limited availability.
Trust Your Gut
When you’ve interviewed several agents, trust your instincts. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with and who you believe will be a strong advocate and advisor for you throughout the process. A good agent-client relationship is built on trust, communication, and having the exact expectations and goals for the transaction.
With the right real estate agent, the Denver home buying or selling experience doesn’t have to be stressful. Taking the time upfront to thoroughly research options and find a skilled, experienced agent is well worth the effort to guide you smoothly through one of life’s biggest financial decisions.
