Selling and purchasing of a property can be a long and enduring process especially when this is your first time doing so. Furthermore, this is one that needs to be taken seriously and after thorough research as this is one of the biggest investment most people make. Also, most of us do not change houses frequently, making this an even greater decision as it determines our living environment for the next 10 to 20 years.
As the majority of people would lack the knowledge and experience in this, it is important to have an important guide and companion with you through this journey. This is where a trustworthy property agent would be essential to make the transaction fuss-free and smooth.
Fortunately, there are many property agencies and agents to choose from. However, this choice comes difficulty in making the choice to choose a trustworthy and reliable property agent. The following points help to educate you to make an informed choice in choosing the top real estate agent Singapore.
1. Doing research on the property agent.
To be a Singapore Property Agent, one needs to be licensed by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). The first thing to check would be your agent’s unique CEA registration number, which should be easily found on their website, name card etc.
Next, it is important to do some research on what the property agent is like. With the convenience of technology, it has made it a lot easier for us to do these with simple searches. A website to start would be the property’s agent’s website to understand about the values that the property agent values and find out more about the property agent as an individual. Reviews may also be put up on the website. It is important to not just read the positive reviews but to look through negative reviews (if any) have a comprehensive analysis of the property agent.Reading through past experiences as it could give you an idea on what your journey could be like.
However, as a website is done by the property agent, information may contain biases. This makes it important to do research beyond his or her website or social media accounts, through simple searches on search engines like Google or credible websites like the CEA’s Public Register. You should also be discerning about the information you read to sieve through the various property agents to find out the one you choose to engage in.
Simply doing research is not sufficient as there is a limited amount of information about a person we can get by doing research. Another person’s positive experience does not guarantee yours. The next key step would then be to engage the agent by engaging with them directly. Through this interaction, you could confirm your research and get a deeper understanding of that agent. The following are pointers that should be observed in a trustworthy property agent during your interaction with him or her.
2. Honesty
Honesty is the basic quality that a property agent should have. He or she should be honest with you about the commissions even before you ask. The agent should also reveal all sources of referral fees. The negotiation of the commission should also be done in the beginning and honoured throughout the whole journey. This is essential in the building up of the trust between you and the property agent. Furthermore, it is important for the property agent to acknowledge gaps in his or her knowledge when you enquire about things and get back to you as soon as possible. This brings us to the next point, and a trustworthy property agent should be knowledgeable.
3. Knowledgeable & Resourceful
Another key aspect would be the knowledge that the property agent has. As mentioned, one of the main reasons why people engage with a property agent is because they lack the knowledge. As such, it is insufficient for the property agent to simply have the minimum knowledge, such as the rules and regulations implemented by the government. It is more key for the property agent to have a comprehensive understanding of market trends, and market situations. An example would be that the property agent is clear of how the area is going to develop over the next few years. The knowledge that the property agent should have must also be up to date. Knowledge makes the property agent credible, and you can trust and rely on the expertise of the property agent.
Moreover, it is also important for the property agent to be resourceful and have rich connections. This generally comes with experience. It is important that the agent has connections with other agents and publications to find the most suitable house or buyer for your house in the shortest period. A resourceful agent would be able to bring in sellers, or bring us to suitable houses quickly, and we would be able to trust that he or she is able to close the deal in the shortest possible time.
4. Educates &Shares the Knowledge
If the agent simply keeps the information he or she has to himself, it is insufficient. Being a guide, it is important for the agent to educate you to ensure that you can make an informed decision for yourself. The property agent could give us suggestions and recommendations, but as we know ourselves best, we should be given enough information to make our decisions. Thus, it is imperative that the property agent not only give recommendations but provides reasons behind the recommendations such that we learn and make the decision ourselves after careful consideration.
The way the agent shares the information is also crucial. The agent should be sharing the information in a way that clients can understand easily. The agent should be clear and meticulous in explaining the information and answering our questions. Furthermore, the agent’s response to questions is another thing to take note. The agent should be able to respond to your questions as soon as possible (up to 2 working days).The agent would also give you regular updates about your purchase or sales to give you the information you need for your purchase.
5. Creative and Detail-Oriented
For buyers, a detail-oriented agent would pay attention to your needs of the new house. He or she would be able to pick up what you wish to see in your new house and personalise the process to your needs. Creativity is also required to imagine the house that is best for you. A creative and detail-oriented agent would bring you to houses catered for your needs. You would then be able to trust that the agent is able to help you buy the most suitable house for you.
For sellers, having a creative real estate agent is especially important. There would be many similar houses in the market. To be able to sell your house well at a high rate, the agent needs to be able to discover what are the unique selling points of your house. This comes hand-in-hand with the quality of being detail-oriented. Only through noticing the details would the agent be able to find out this otherwise hidden unique selling points. With the two qualities, agents would be able to provide convincing and detailed descriptions of your houses, enabling you to sell your house at the best price in the shortest time.
6. Have the client’s best interests at heart
Most importantly, a trustworthy agent must have the client’s best interest at heart. You may wonder, how can I know that the agent has my best interest at heart? The easiest way would be to observe how the agent treats you. An agent who cares for the clients would be sincere when talking to the clients. He or she would be respectful and professional. The agent would have strong communicative skills-- be a good listener, show you good eye contact and be inquisitive about your needs. This is a fundamental and the most important quality of a trustworthy agent. Clients should feel comfortable in the interaction, and through that trust can be built.
Who then is a trustworthy real estate agent?
An agent to recommend would be Joel Choy, a top PropNex Property Agent. He cares about every client, having their best interest at heart, thereby winning him many happy customers. You could read more about his clients’ reviews here.
Do the first step and find out more about him here.
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