Experience Matters.
It seems now-a-days everyone is a real estate agent, or at least knows a few people who are real estate agents. After all in California, there are just under 299,000 active agents and brokers licensed as of May 2020. But, what does that mean to you?
Did you know that only a very small percentage of those agents do more than 1 real estate transaction a year, or 1 per quarter, or even ever do a transaction at all?
While the Internet gives buyers and sellers unprecedented access to locating numerous real estate agents, many aspects of the home buying or selling process require a level of expertise you can’t pick up from surfing the web for an agent. An agent may be a pro at marketing themselves, but what true sales history do they really have under their belts? They may say they are a "local expert" on their online marketing, but what does that mean? That they know the area well and can recommend restaurants nearby, or that they have done many home transactions in that area? True experience is only gained when an agent has performed many many real estate transactions. The Internet is a great place to locate a few of the top rated (think...numerous reviews on numerous sites) so you can get a short list of agents to talk to.
Then...Do your homework! Keep in mind, not all real estate agents are the same. When buying or selling a home, look for an agent with LOTS of past home transaction experience! Ask that agent to show proof of their own personal (not their companies or team members) past sales. This will give you piece of mind you have a professional strong experienced negotiator who can put their knowledge to work for you and has your best interest at the forefront. Buying or selling a home is one of the largest transactions you may make during your lifetime, get an agent who is not practicing their trade on your home transaction. Get an experienced agent who more than likely has "seen it all", knows the ins and outs of the real estate industry, and use their knowledge to put power into your home transaction.