Real EstateTime to Buy in Charleston SC? How to Choose an Agent

By Terry Bell-Aby, Realtor, CNE, Luxury Simplified Real Estate

Whether you are a lowcountry native or one of the many people flocking to Charleston SC from elsewhere, with more than 5,000 real estate agents in the Charleston market, you might ask, “how should I choose an agent? ” You want to find a Realtor who will help you purchase wisely and look after your interests. In this competitive real estate market it’s more important than ever to have a knowledgeable advisor when searching for real estate in Charleston. There are four key characteristics that separate agents and Realtors from one another and you should weigh the importance of each of these when it comes time to work with someone.  

Dedication

There are approximately 5,000 real estate agents in the Charleston area, but not all are working as a professional real estate agent.  Many work part- or full-time at other professions; some work part-time by choice, and others hold a license just in case someone they know needs representation. However, there is no substitute for a full-time, experienced agent who has seen many successes and potential pitfalls and is able to recognize great opportunities when they arise. Additionally, there are many details to be addressed in any real estate transaction, and having someone dedicated to seeing them through to completion is critical.

Objectiveness 

Everyone “knows someone” in real estate and whether it’s a friend or relative, think about how that relationship might be affected when issues inevitably arise. Outside of the financial repercussions that come with any real estate transaction, the stresses that sometimes occur when seeing a closing successfully to the end may not be what you want coming between a friendship or a family relationship. Would you rather have that conversation with a person who can be neutral and objective, or find yourself in conflict with issues unrelated to the matter at hand? Consider the benefits that can come with hiring an expert – after all, it is a business decision.

Ethics

A real estate agent is not a Realtor®. A Realtor® is held to a stricter code of ethics than real estate agents. Having confidence in your agent’s ethics will help you sleep at night. Realtors® are members of a national organization and are required to take on additional continuing education to insure he or she is up-to-date on the most current laws and the best practices. Make sure you select a Realtor® to insure you receive the best possible representation.

Negotiation

Only a small percentage of agents throughout the country are Certified Negotiation Experts. Advanced, continuing education is required to achieve the CNE® designation. When interviewing agents, ask if he or she is a Certified Negotiation Expert. It can be a huge asset to have someone on your side that is more effective in using a variety of techniques to achieve your best outcome.

This blog is written as Part 1 of our 2-part series on choosing an agent.  You can read Part 2, “Time To List In Charleston SC? How To Choose An Agent, “ HERE.

Note: With all of the real estate agents in Charleston SC, in the end, what really matters is simply choosing a Realtor that lines up with your interests and meets your needs. Our team at Luxury Simplified Real Estate is well-versed in Charleston real estate, highly experienced in negotiations, and ready to help you find your dream home.  Our “Buying Charleston ” website page offers is a comprehensive resource guide for EVERYTHING Charleston so you can start your search today!