The experience of buying or selling a property depends majorly on the real estate agent. Whether you are looking to sell or buy property in Dubai or any other city, you need to pay attention when it comes to the selection of real estate agents.
If you are new to home buying/selling or renting in the city of gold i.e. Dubai and want to make no mistake in selecting the best real estate agent, we have got you covered. Have a look at some of the key tips you need to know about when selecting an agent:
Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate in asking questions during your first meeting with the agent. It doesn’t need to be a casual conversation rather treat it as a job interview where you are the hiring manager and they are the applicant. Just like the manager doesn’t hire an employee until they aren’t fully satisfied, you will have to adopt the same practice.
Make sure you have your share of homework in advance and prepared a list of questions to be asked. These can be related to their sales history, their work procedure, and how much experience they have in the field.
Check Their Online Presence
There is hardly any business entity, in today’s time, that is surviving without having an online presence. Companies that have been operating for decades are now online to reach their potential customers. Therefore, it makes sense to check the online presence of a real estate agent you are in talks with. Go through their website and social media feed. The latter particularly tells a lot about the reputation a real estate agent has earned among their clients.
While doing through the social media feed of an agent, you may come across reviews and testimonials from ‘real’ clients. The focus here is on the word real as most of the reviews that are highlighted are fake.
Verify their Details
Never trust a real estate agent in Dubai if you are unable to verify their details. There are high chances of becoming prey to a scam or fraud. Ensure that they are registered with the Dubai Land Department and have a valid broker ID.
Reach Out to Their Past Clients
Another way to decide whether to hire a real estate agent or not is to reach out to their past clients. You can directly ask the agent for this. They can give you written references from their past clients. These references also include their contact details. So, you can contact them and get the required information. Do not forget to ask them if they would hire the agent in question again. The answer to this question will tell you a lot of things about their services.
Create a Trustworthy Rapport with Them
While it is recommended to not be very casual during the first meeting and maintain a serious stanch, make a point to build a trustworthy rapport with them during the subsequent meetings. The key here is communication. Pay close attention to how they respond to your queries and keep the conversation going. Moreover, keep a tab on their marketing practices as well. Ask them for ways how they market their properties and talk about other aspects of buying and selling. This will help to break the ice and build a trustworthy rapport.
Look for an Area Expert
If you want to put your property for sale or buy one in a particular neighborhood, look for an agent that specializes in that area. As they are more aware of the opportunities in that area, they can prove to be more helpful for you as compared to other agents. You can ask the real estate agent you are in talks with whether they specialize in that particular neighborhood or not. If they don’t, ask them to refer you to other agents who work there. Typically, real estate agents have connections with their peers and competitors. They can refer you to someone who works in the area you are looking to buy or sell a home.
Final Thoughts
A golden rule you must follow is to talk with at least three agents before finalizing one. As it is a big decision to sell your home or buy a new one, do not take it lightly and make a hasty decision. Take your time to select the best real estate agent to secure a profitable deal.
