How To Choose a Real Estate Agent on Long Island

At the end of 2014, the median home price on Long Island was over $400,000, more than double that of the country’s median home price. With housing prices increasing and well-priced properties moving quickly through the home buying process, buyers in Long Island are under a lot of pressure to get their new home search under way quickly and efficiently. Of course, one of the best ways to navigate the home-buying process is with a top notch real estate agent, someone who can spot red flags, walk you through the ins and outs of assessing homes and extending offers, and generally help you avoid common mistakes. However, as with everything else, not all real estate agents are created equal. In fact, choosing the right real estate agent is critical to your eventual successful home purchase.

It’s Who You Know…

The best way to start finding a good agent is by asking friends, family and trusted peers for recommendations. Did a friend recently buy a home? Ask whom they used and how they felt about their agent. Chances are, you will get the most honest answers from people close to you—and the most detailed information from people who have recently purchased a house. Ask what kind of support their agent provided and whether they wished they had anything different or in addition to their agent’s help. Don’t be afraid to contact multiple recommendations to “interview” the different agents before you decide.

Shop Around, Shop Smart

If you can’t get a good recommendation or simply want to explore other avenues, start “shopping” by exploring home listings. You stand a good chance of finding a good agent by checking out listings in your desired area. If certain agents have many listings in a particular neighborhood or town, there is a good chance they’re familiar with the area and successful with their clients. You might even be able to get a feel for their style by attending an open house they throw or following their marketing efforts. Long Island is a big area though, so be wary of choosing an agent that operates outside your preferred neighborhood. While an agent with listings in Northport may be able to show homes in nearby Huntington, a great real estate agent in Great Neck may not be very knowledgeable about Merrick or the Hamptons.

Ask Lots of Questions

Buying a new home in Long Island is a complicated process—and one that a good real estate agent can help with. You don’t want to choose an agent just to find out that they don’t know the process, don’t have resources to assist you and/or otherwise don’t have the ability to support your needs. Before selecting your agent, ask questions about what you can expect, how long they’ve worked on the island, and what kind of team support they have. Since your agent will work with many clients, you’ll want to know who can help you when he or she is busy showing homes to other clients or at closings.

Consider Their Whole Network

Buying a home is easier with a great real estate agent—but you will still need additional resources. Find out whom your agent works with, from real estate attorneys to home inspectors. Can they recommend services for repairs or remodels you want to make and do they have connections with great moving services? Agents that can connect you with these resources can help you get off on the right foot in your new home.