Buying and selling a property is one of the most important financial decisions that we will deal with in our lives. The process can be complicated, time-consuming, or at the very least, emotional. Of course, it is not a usual transaction that we do all the time. And some of us have very little idea on where to start.
There are a lot of factors and things to consider when it comes to buying and selling properties that most buyers and sellers find too overwhelming to deal with. More often than not, we prefer to hire a trusted property agent to take over the task.
But when it comes to expensive and crucial property transactions, we all want to select the best and most trusted real estate agent to market our home. And how can we possibly find “the one” when there are thousands of property agents who say that they are the best of the best of the best?
Well, we’ve gathered a few tips and considerations to assist you in selecting the best real estate agent in Singapore to represent your property. Read on!
So where do you actually start looking for a trusted property agent?
Get Recommendations from Your Network
That’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? You can ask your friends, family, and even coworkers who might have had an experience working with a property agent. But the tricky part is, what works well for your friend may not work out so well for yourself. Recall the last time a friend recommended a blockbuster movie which turned out “meh” after you watched it. Disappointing isn’t it?
So here’s what you need to do:
Be clear about what you need
What type of real estate agent are you looking for? Do you need your property to be sold fast? Or do you need an agent who understands your property’s surroundings very well? (amenities and living environment count towards the property’s value too.)
When you ask for recommendations within your circle, inquire more about their experience and ask them questions. What was it like working with this real estate agent? Was he thorough and hands-on with the process? Does he communicate well? Was he able to smoothly close the transaction?
Some real estate agents specialize in commercial properties while others work exclusively with residential properties. Whether you’re selling your home or looking to buy one, it is important to keep this in mind so you can narrow down your search and easily find the right agent you’re looking for.
Find Trusted Real Estate Agents from Online Platforms
Do your research. There are plenty of online platforms where you can find trusted agents. Two of the most popular sites in Singapore are Propertyguru.com and 99.co. These sites are highly recommended for everything about real estate! Here, you can check the agent’s online portfolio and read reviews from previous clients. That way, you will be able to assess which among them is the right agent for you to connect with.
Engage In No-Frills Property Agency
You can opt for no-frills real estate agencies to manage the trade for you. Companies like Bluenest.sg and Ohmyhome.com are examples of property management agencies that offer a tech-based real estate advisory ecosystem. They provide a simple and straightforward tech solution that can match home buyers and home sellers in the property market.
The key advantage of using Bluenest.sg is that they only charge a 1% commission rate on the sale price of the property. Ohmyhome.com, on the other hand, provides a smooth transaction service whether you are planning to buy, sell, or rent a property. For their real estate agents, they charge a flat fee starting at $2, 288. You can check out their websites and see whether or not such a system is fit for the type of transaction you’re aiming for.
Now that you know where to look for agents, let’s talk about how to select the best and trusted property agent.
Find Out More About The Agent From CEA Website
All property agents must be registered with the Council for Estate Agency (CEA). It is a government agency in Singapore that regulates the real estate industry in the country. When you want to check for the real estate agent’s credentials, you can do so by going through CEA’s website.
Here’s what you need to do:
Search for the agent using his/her mobile number. Next, simply go to the CEA’s website and type the agent’s registration number in the public register. From there, you are going to see the agent’s profile and view all necessary information.
You will be able to know how many years of experience the agent has and what awards he/she has won. This is basically the first thing you need to tick off the checklist to identify a trusted property agent.
Review Their Portfolio in Property Portals
Another effortless way of finding a trusted property agent is to browse through online directories like Propertyguru.com. This website contains a catalog of specialist agents fit to market the type of property you plan to sell or buy.
If you look into Propertyguru.com, you will be able to check the property agent’s years of experience, the location where he/she operates, as well as what type of property he/she specializes in. How convenient, right?
Another way to find an agent’s online footprint is through Google. Simply type their name on the search box and see what you can find. Go through the agent’s website and social profiles like Facebook and Linkedin and check their online reviews.
Find out what kind of projects they have engaged with, and what their systems and processes are when it comes to marketing the properties. How they represent themselves in their online portfolios will give you substantial information on whether or not to consider hiring the agent. Property management is not an easy task. That is why you need to be thorough in selecting the right person to handle the job. So, research, research, research, and gather as much information as you can.
“Interview” the agent
Well, you need to feel comfortable with the agent’s working style right? There’s no better way than to meet up with the agent and ask questions about how he/she handles the property management process.
Are you a detail-oriented person? Do you need every piece of information to be communicated to you?
OR
Are you a fuss-free person who prefers to focus on the outcome and not be bothered by the details?
Find an agent who is able to give you what you need on top of just selling your property. (Well it’s a million-dollar transaction, you have the right to be demanding.)
Meet a few agents before deciding.
don’t just settle for the first person you met. Ideally, you should pick the top three property agent candidates for an interview. This is a good way to check if the agent is a good communicator and if you get along very well with them.
You know you’ve found the right agent when you throw him a bunch of questions and he/she can provide answers and advice which gives you new perspectives to complement your decision-making process.
You can now confidently select the right agent!
This is going to be a 6, 7, or even 8 figure transaction. While it’s easy to leave it to the professionals, you still have to do your homework in finding the right person to help you.
Choosing the right real estate agent is the first step to achieve a successful property transaction. You may think it’s easy to switch an agent when things don’t go well but consider your opportunity cost. The property market is moving really fast currently. You’ll never know when the market is going to move against you.
Therefore, select an agent who has the right credentials, with rich experience, who is a good communicator, and above all, someone whom you feel like you’re comfortable working with.
