How to Find a Real Estate Agent

Real estate is one of the most important investments you will ever make. Whether you are preparing to buy your dream home or are finally ready to sell your home and move across the country, the decision to buy or sell your home plays a significant role in what comes next. Buying and selling real estate can be overwhelming no matter what stage you are at in your life. How do you know you are making the right choice, and what are the next steps you need to take? There are so many moving parts to a real estate transaction. No matter how much previous experience you have with the process, you are going to need some help along the way — that's why you need an agent.

Choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you will make throughout this entire process. Your agent can either make or break the sale, so who you choose matters. Whether buying or selling, here's how to find a real estate agent in Redding, California.

Once you have made the decision to buy or sell your home, the next logical step is to find the right real estate agent for the job. Fortunately, there are many professionals out there who can help get the job done. In some cases, it can be challenging to know where to begin. How do you find the right agent, and what are some qualities you should look for? Before choosing your agent, it's essential to know the different types of real estate professionals out there and which one is right for you.

If you are familiar with buying or selling real estate, chances are you have seen many terms used interchangeably to describe different types of real estate professionals. You have likely heard of real estate agents, brokers, and realtors. But what's the difference? How can you tell the difference between these professionals, and how do you know who you should work with? Here are some of the most prevalent real estate professionals you will find:

A real estate agent is a licensed sales professional who is trained to facilitate real estate transactions. They often work with clients in buyer or seller transactions and can sometimes work on both sides of the transaction. Real estate agents are typically paid a commission, by the home seller, for their work.

Similar to a real estate agent, brokers are trained to facilitate transactions, but a real estate broker is independently licensed and may employ real estate agents. Brokers have more experience and more education than agents. Brokers are also paid in commissions, but they also receive a cut of the commissions from the real estate agents who work under them.

Real estate agents and realtors can be commonly mistaken for one another. The two terms that are interchanged the most within the industry are a realtor and real estate agent. Are they the same thing? No. A realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adhere to a higher code of conduct. Brokers can also be members of NAR. One common misconception is that real estate agents and realtors are the same. In order to be a realtor, your agent must be an NAR member.

When choosing the right agent for you, one of the most significant considerations is your needs. Are you buying a property or selling a property? Choosing the right agent who will represent you and your needs is essential. Is there a difference between a buyer's agent and a listing agent? Here's how to tell them apart:

As the name suggests, a buyer's agent is a real estate professional representing the buyer's side of the transaction. Buyer's agents either work independently or are part of a real estate team working with listing agents. A buyer's agent will typically show buyers properties and help facilitate the transaction. A buyer's agent is sometimes referred to as a selling agent. If you are buying a property, you will be working with a buyer's agent.

The listing agent is a real estate professional representing homeowners who are selling their homes.  The listing agent helps sellers come up with a listing price for the home and helps market the property to find qualified buyers. If you are trying to sell your property, you will work with a listing agent.

Now that you have a better idea of the different types of agents out there, the real work begins — it's time to choose an agent. So how do you find the right agent for you, and what traits should you look for in an agent? When choosing an agent, you can take two approaches: work with someone you already know or hire a local real estate expert.

There are many pros and cons to both approaches. If you are lucky enough to work with someone you know, you have the added advantage of someone you are already comfortable with. It could be a friend, a family member, or a neighbor. It could even be someone you have already worked with. While many people are fortunate enough to work with agents they already know, not everyone has a real estate agent in their social network or at least one familiar with the area. If you live in Redding, you will want to work with an agent who specializes in Redding real estate.

If you are choosing an agent, what qualities should you look for? Ideally, your agent should be familiar with your neighborhood, have extensive industry experience, and have a clear communication style. Don't be afraid to ask your agent about their experience! They should be happy to answer any questions you have. No matter your approach, you should work with an agent you trust. Follow your instincts. When you find the right agent, you'll know.

Are you ready to make a change? Whether you are searching for homes for sale in Redding or you are considering listing your property, you need a Redding real estate agent you can rely on. When you need the best, choose Amanda Nardo. With over ten years of industry experience and over 20 years of area knowledge on her side, Amanda will go above and beyond to help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact Amanda today to make your next move!