Hiring a real estate agent in Milwaukee can be frustrating. So what are the steps on how to find a good real estate agent in Milwaukee?
Many local large real estate brokers will spend thousands of dollars each month to ensure that their agents are the most visible, whether it be online, in the Yellow Pages, or by erecting giant billboards in the most trafficked sections of Milwaukee.
While agents with significant promotional budgets might seem like the obvious choice, they aren’t always the best fit for your specific needs. In the unique Milwaukee real estate market, it’s essential to find an agent who truly understands your situation. This guide will walk you through detailed strategies for finding a top-notch real estate agent in Milwaukee, featuring insights from local experts and real-world case studies.
[NOTE: If you need to sell your Milwaukee house fast and can’t wait the 3-6 months+ it is taking to sell a home on the local market… we may be able to help by buying your house from you. We can make you an all-cash offer within 24 hours on your house in as-is condition. ]
How To Find A Good Real Estate Agent In Milwaukee – Get Reviews… Real Reviews
While online reviews of real estate agents can sometimes be manipulated, making it challenging to discern their true performance, it’s crucial to seek out genuine feedback. Ask any prospective agent for direct testimonials from recent clients and verify these reviews through independent platforms such as Yelp or the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, consider visiting community forums like Nextdoor or local Facebook groups where residents discuss their experiences with real estate agents. This approach ensures you get an accurate and comprehensive picture of the agent’s capabilities and client satisfaction.
Also, reviews are one of the best ways to see how any real estate professional does out in the marketplace.
As a last way to check out the agent… hit Google and type in “[name of agent] reviews” and see what pops up in the Google search. If you see a bunch of bad reviews on websites like yelp and others… see if the agent tried to engage with those negative reviewers online to resolve the situation.
Ask the Right Questions Of The Local Milwaukee Real Estate Agent
Ask the agent (or better yet, his or her former clients) the following questions to gauge the agent’s skill, and ability to represent you as a buyer or a seller:
- Was there any part of the process of buying or selling a home that clients were pleased or particularly displeased with?
- What was the asking price?
- What was the sales price?
- What properties have you worked with in my location?
- What about similarly sized properties?
It’s important to choose an agent who has experience working with homes similar to yours. These questions help ensure the agent has relevant experience and a track record of success in scenarios similar to yours.
Check The Real Estate Agent’s Credentials
Verify the agent’s credentials through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This agency not only confirms licensing but also provides detailed records of any regulatory actions or complaints against the agent. You can access their official verification page DSPS. Ensuring your agent is in good standing with the state is a critical step in finding a reliable professional. Additionally, consider checking if the agent has any certifications or designations from recognized industry bodies, such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or specialized certifications like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR). These credentials indicate a higher level of expertise and commitment to ethical standards.
You should also ask the agent how long they’ve been buying and selling homes. If they’re representing an agency, ask how long they’ve been with that particular agency, and their history with other firms.
Above all, it’s important to choose a real estate agent in Milwaukee that you can trust. Regular communication is extremely important when selling your home, as in many cases, a house represents the majority of your net worth. A good agent will be able to answer questions such as:
- How many inquiries have been made about my home?
- How many of these inquiries came from people likely to make a purchase (not just window shoppers)?
- What other properties in this neighborhood are for sale? What is the asking price of those homes?
Ask The Local Real Estate Agent How They Plan On Selling Your House
Sometimes, a direct approach yields the best results. When interviewing potential real estate agents in Milwaukee WI, delve into their specific marketing strategies. Ask them, ‘How do you plan to sell my house differently compared to other agents in town?’ This question can reveal unique marketing plans and innovative approaches that set them apart from their competition. Look for detailed answers that might include:
- Utilization of professional photography and virtual tours to attract online buyers.
- A targeted marketing plan using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach specific demographics.
- Strategies for leveraging local events and community connections to increase visibility.
- A comprehensive open house schedule and private showings for serious buyers.
- Use of data analytics to determine optimal pricing and identify potential buyers.
A strong marketing strategy often indicates an agent’s ability to sell homes more efficiently and at better prices, ensuring your property gets the attention it deserves
Usually the great ones actually have a marketing plan and will get your house out there and on the market in a big way.
This Is Where Low Priced Isn’t Always The Best
Often times Milwaukee WI home sellers want to go with the lowest priced option.
Heck, when you look at the numbers… if a real estate agent is earning 3% on a $100,000 sale… that’s $3,000 in fees just to 1 real estate agent (usually both agents representing the buyer and the seller earn commission)… it isn’t cheap. But just really do your research before you go with a cut rate agent or a flat fee agent… because that usually means that the service you’re getting is also a lower level service.
Top real estate agents in Milwaukee often utilize advanced marketing systems that can sell homes faster and at higher prices. Therefore, even if you encounter an agent offering a lower commission rate of 1.5%, carefully evaluate whether this option will save you money in the long run. Often, agents with slightly higher fees provide superior service, leading to quicker sales and better final prices, which can outweigh the initial cost savings.
The same goes for selling your house to a local real estate investor like Northwoods Property Resources. The highest priced offer isn’t always the best. Look at the terms of the deal the house buyer offers you… and ensure they can close on-time… because every month that goes by costs you money (your mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.) to hold the property.
It’s important to avoid low-quality real estate agents. These could be “rookies” who will do anything to make their first sale (including leaving dollars on the table). A good real estate can make selling your home an extremely smooth experience, and will work in your best interest.
So go out there and do your research and find a local real estate agent.
If you need to sell your house fast… we’d love to make you an all-cash fair offer on your house.
We can make you a no-obligation offer in 24 hours or less and you can weigh that option against going with a real estate agent.
Just click the link below and fill out the short form on the next page to get the painless process rolling.