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Asheville has been growing rapidly for decades, but we have experienced explosive, exponential growth in the last two or three years. That’s pretty much par for the course in North Carolina, as essentially every part of the state has welcomed new residents, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The real estate market in Asheville is exceptionally competitive at the moment. Whether you are moving within the area or from out-of-state (or beyond), it can be incredibly challenging to find what you’re looking for in time to make a purchase. If you’re selling in the area, you want to ensure you get the equity in the property you deserve.
The key to successfully purchasing and selling property in Asheville is to choose the right REALTOR®. In this article, we’re providing the best tips to help you find the right REALTOR®.
Five Tips to Help You Find the Right REALTOR®
1) Make Sure You’re Prepared to Find a REALTOR®
One of the first steps to take toward finding the right REALTOR® is knowing you’re ready to find one. First, you must ensure you are prepared to begin buying or selling a home.
Being Prepared to Buy a Home
The first big step toward hiring an agent to buy a home is to prequalify for a loan. You’ll want to have a prequalification letter before you hire an agent so that when you start the process, they can show you homes immediately.
Being Prepared to Sell a Home
Ensure you’ve looked at the market and determined you want to sell. Have as much information as possible:
- Homeowners Insurance information
- Age of the roof, HVAC, and other systems
- As many details as you can find regarding the square footage, renovations, etc.
- Receipts for all repairs and renovations
- Potentially a home inspection and appraisal
2) Find a REALTOR® Who Knows the Area
Ask prospective agents how long they have been in the business and if they work in real estate full or part-time while conducting interviews. You can ask how many houses they have helped buy or sell in the area.
There are, of course, similarities in every market. However, western North Carolina is unique. On the map, a property you see online may appear close to your office or town, but actually an hour’s drive up, down, or around the mountain.
Weather can be pretty different across the area as well. It might be snowing in Madison County, but sunny and mild in Hendersonville. If you love skiing, you might want to be closer to Wolf Laurel. If you want to grow apples, you might want to be in Henderson County. An agent experienced in the Asheville area will be able to assess your needs and wants and help you find the right part of western North Carolina.
3) Look for Someone with Experience Buying or Selling Property
If you’re buying a house, you want to find an agent who has extensive experience with finding homes for buyers. Depending on where you are in the process, you may want someone who specializes in first- or second-time home purchases. You want to find an agent who keeps their ear to the ground about properties that may be listed soon so that you can be first through the door.
For sellers, you want an agent representing you, marketing your property, and ultimately getting the best price.
4) Ask Friends, Family, and Locals for Recommendations
Using your current network as a starting point for your search is an excellent idea. Unbiased referrals for real estate agents from family, friends, and coworkers who recently purchased or sold a house may be key to finding the right agent.
If you’re not yet in western North Carolina, your network may not be familiar with the area. You can, however, get a sense of what others have found that they appreciate or avoid in REALTORs. Then, you can ask any local connections you have for referrals and peruse social media for ideas.
5) Find a REALTOR® with Proven Results
More than anything, you want a REALTOR® who has proven results. You want to find someone who has successfully bought or sold properties. Some of the characteristics of the best real estate agent near me include the following:
- The right REALTOR® will have a great network
- The right REALTOR® will be a people person
- The right REALTOR® will have an excellent record
- The right REALTOR® will work with a solid team
- The right REALTOR® will be experienced with what you need
Century 21 Connected
Century 21 Connected is a locally owned firm that provides reliable information on western North Carolina residential and commercial real estate. Our agents love Asheville and the surrounding areas, creating a genuine desire to help you find your perfect home or investment for your portfolio.
If you’re ready to work with the right REALTORs in the Asheville area, contact Century 21 Connected today!
