How To Choose An Out-Of-State Agent

If you’re relocating or investing in property outside of Colorado, hiring the right agent is absolutely essential to your success. There’s only so much you can research about the local market online. Even if you are familiar with the area, you need an agent who knows the local market inside out and guides you every step of the way (while you’re away). You really can’t settle for anyone but the best.

Finding the Best Real Estate Agents In The Area

Compiling a list of competent and reliable real estate brokers may seem easy, given the abundance of agents across the U.S. However, navigating through the sea of options can be overwhelming, not to mention time-consuming. The last thing you want is to spend hours emailing or filling out contact forms only to receive no response. 

To streamline your search, take these steps:
 

• Referrals: Ask friends, family, or colleagues who recently bought or sold property in the area you’re interested in. If you’re investing, contact the local real estate investor associations (REIA) and ask if they have any members who are both an investor and an agent.
• Ask your RE/MAX Alliance agent for recommendations. They are networked with thousands of agents across the U.S. 
• REMAX.com & Local Sites: Our national partner, REMAX.com is a great source for real estate agents based on location and specialty. Browse local property search websites and listings – which agents have active and successful listings in the area?
• Online Review Sites: When you Google search for “best real estate agent in X city,” scrolling through platforms like Zillow, Yelp, or Google Business Profiles can give you an idea of an agent’s reputation and track record.
• Dig Deeper Online: To get the best feel from afar, make sure you go through their online reviews, social media profiles, and personal websites. Agents specializing in out-of-state buyers will put in the effort to provide people like you with a detailed, ongoing snapshot of themselves and their business.
• Reviews are king! If people are making the effort to rave about their agent online, that’s an excellent sign (tip: a healthy review ratio is ten five-stars for every negative comment). 

We’ll Help You Vet

Congratulations on narrowing down your list of potential agents to a few favorites. Next step – leverage the expertise of your RE/MAX Alliance agent to vet the agents! Not only do they understand your unique needs and preferences, but they also have vast experience working with other agents in the industry. Your agent is invaluable at this crucial stage; this is what they’ll carefully assess as they interview your list: 

• Communication: Hands down, the most important trait for any real estate agent. Your RE/MAX Alliance agent will see how quickly they respond to emails and texts and return their calls. You need a proactive agent, where you’re not asking what the next steps are, but they let you know what to expect or do. Someone who actively listens to you, empathizes, and tunes in to your needs and wants.
• Searching and Sharing Properties: An agent who sets you up with an excellent search program and will even tour homes on your behalf (provide videos and more).
• Negotiation and Closing Skills: Their ability to assertively negotiate on your behalf, the more money you will save. 
• Extensive Resources: They have great connections to other professionals you’ll need to get the deal done (lenders, insurance agents, and even property managers).
• Experience / Motivation Level: While experience is valuable, a newer agent with a hunger to succeed and backed by a solid brokerage can be just as successful. 
• Local Market Knowledge: And of course, making sure they’re highly educated about the neighborhoods, areas, and shifting trends. And they’re committed to taking the time to keep you educated!

Contact your RE/MAX Alliance agent today to tap into their wealth of resources and support. We’re dedicated to helping you confidently achieve your real estate goals by working with a top out-of-state agent who has your best interests at heart.

Source: biggerpockets.com