Whether you’re buying or selling Wakefield, MA real estate, it’s important to enlist the
services of a licensed agent who can make the whole process easier and less stressful.
Here are the qualities and certifications you should be looking for in your real estate
Agent.
Education
The Massachusetts Real Estate Board requires all aspiring agents to complete 40 hours
of online or face-to-face pre-licensing education. They must also take the final exam, which consists of 100 items, with a minimum passing score of 75%. The whole process
takes one to six months depending on whether the applicant is studying part-time or
full-time, and how long they take to prepare for the final exam. When studying,
applicants will have access to educational materials and pre-test questions to help them
build their knowledge.
Experience
There’s simply no substitute for experience, and that is exactly what a good real estate
agent brings to the table. Experienced agents bring a level of expertise and know-how
that make house buying or selling plain sailing. The best agents can anticipate just
about every scenario that can arise with each transaction because of their varied
experiences with real estate. This enables them to steer clients away from costly
mistakes and harmful situations. They will help clients make the most of their real
estate purchase no matter which side of the negotiating table they’re on.
Area expertise
If you’re buying from out of state, and have never lived in Massachusetts, you’ll need to
work with an agent who specializes in Wakefield, MA real estate. Agents are local
experts who have handled many transactions in the area, which means that they know
the market well. They are usually residents who have lived in the area for some time, if
not all their lives, so they know the schools, neighborhoods, parks, and restaurants.
Some work closely with homeowners’ associations, so they have updated information
on fees and community rules and regulations.
Networking
Most agents have access to a vast network of brokers, lenders, home stagers, interior
designers, real estate photographers, and contractors. They can refer you to reliable and
reputable experts who can assist in the purchase or sale of a property. Whether you need to get prequalified for a mortgage or make home
improvements before selling, your agent will help you find the right person for the job.
This helps you save time and money.
Negotiation skills
An agent will protect your interests during negotiations. They will secure the most
favorable terms and make sure you don’t lose out on a good bargain. A skilled and experienced agent will know when to push and when to step back during negotiations.
They will remain objective throughout the process and ensure the best possible results.
They also serve as a buffer between you and the other party to keep tension and even
conflict to a minimum.
How to choose the best Wakefield, MA real estate agents
When looking for the right agent, it’s important to reach out to several agents who serve
the area and schedule a consultation. This will allow you to ask questions and gauge
their expertise on the local market. This will also give you a feel for their
communication style.
During the consultation, ask the agent if they have handled the kind of properties
you’re interested in, and whether they’ve bought or sold homes in your chosen
neighborhood. Ask them to refer you to previous clients who can give you feedback on
the agent’s performance. A reputable agent will put you in touch with former clients
who will be fair and forthright in their evaluations.
Description of Wakefield, MA real estate
Located in Middlesex County, Wakefield is located within the Greater Boston area.
Known as an affluent town, Wakefield has prime real estate, good schools, and clean
and well-maintained parks. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to first-rate
amenities. The town’s main thoroughfare, Main Street, is lined with boutiques, antique
shops, restaurants, and salons and offices. Residents also have access to the bars,
restaurants, and shops of downtown Boston, which is roughly 12 miles from town.
All this has made Wakefield a very popular location for people looking to move. Before
you do, make sure you’ve got the right people working for you.
