New Delhi. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home for the first time, choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important steps you can take. The right agent can make the deal easier for you, but the wrong agent can waste not only money but also time. Thousands of agents work in every city and area in India, but it is important to understand who among them is trustworthy and who is just running after commission.
First of all, you should decide in which area or locality you want to buy or sell property. Give preference to a local agent in that area, because the local agent has complete information related to the price, demand and development of that place. For example, an agent working in Saket, Delhi will not be able to know the property value of Gurugram as deeply as he does in his own area. Therefore, local information can make your deal much stronger.
The second step is to check the reputation and credibility of the agent. Nowadays most agents are available online. You can know the experiences of their previous clients by looking at their Google reviews, website or social media profiles. If an agent has good reviews and has been working for a long time, he can definitely be a reliable option. Additionally, it would also be wise to ask your relatives or friends about which agents they have had a good experience with.
The third and most important thing is the RERA registration of the agent. In India, it is now mandatory for every real estate agent to be registered with RERA. This ensures that the agent is working legally and that each of his deals falls under government rules. If an agent avoids showing RERA registration, then understand that there is definitely something wrong with him.
Fourth, be clear about fees and commission beforehand. Generally agents charge 1 to 2 percent commission of the total value of the property. Decide when and how this amount will be given. Many times agents try to increase fees or add new expenses after the deal, which creates disputes. Therefore keep everything in writing.
Fifth, keep an eye on the agent’s behavior. A good agent always works in a transparent manner, answering all your questions and explaining every aspect of the deal honestly. If an agent acts hurriedly, tries to avoid documents, or pressures you to make a quick decision, this is a red flag.
Sixth, agent’s networking and hold in the market is also important. An experienced agent has good relationships with many developers, builders and other agents, giving you more options and a chance to negotiate a better price.
Finally, understand your rights when dealing with an agent. The agent not only earns commission but also helps in getting the right property or buyer as per your requirement. If you are buying a house for the first time, understand every condition in detail from the agent and do not take any decision in haste.
