For every 1,000 people living in California, there are 7.6 real estate agents.

If you're considering buying a home or if you want to sell your current property, you have many options to choose from when it comes to real estate agents. There are thousands to work with, but that doesn't mean they are all qualified.

You want to work with a top agent, so you get the best deal, but it can be challenging to find the right one. Continue reading this article to learn how to narrow down your realtor search and find the most qualified in Temecula, California.

Get Referrals

Asking friends and family for referrals is a great way to find a real estate agent. If you're new to Temecula, you may not know a lot of people.

This can make asking for referrals difficult. However, you can always ask any previous agent you've worked with for recommendations.

They may have connections all over the country that can come in handy. You can also ask a relocation specialist. They will be familiar with the area and be able to give you some suggestions.

You shouldn't solely rely on referrals. An agent that's good for your neighbor may not be good for you. Use them as a tool and then do your own research.

Ask About Licensing

One of the first things you want to look for is if the agent is licensed. It should be up to date and you can easily check for this on the state's real estate department's website.

The license will ensure they are up to date on all the local and federal laws surrounding real estate. Keep in mind your realtor must be listed in the state of California.

When you're looking up their licensing, take the time to do some more research. You can find a lot of information online. For instance, how long they've been a realtor and if they have been awarded any special certifications

Know Your Needs

It's important to know what your needs are when you're looking for a top agent. For example, if you work from 9 to 5, you need a realtor who works outside of those hours.

If you work a night shift, you'll want to work with someone who can accommodate those hours for you. Some agents only work part-time, which can make communicating with them challenging.

Agents specialize in different areas. If you're buying a house in California, you need to work with a buyer's agent. A seller's agent will be better for you if you're moving out of your current home.

You'll also need to consider what time of property you're looking to buy. There are some agents who primarily work with first-time home buyers and some who are experts in luxury properties.

Do you want a realtor who is a tough negotiator? You might want someone who is great at explaining each step and listening to you.

You should also consider how you would like to communicate with your agent. Some may only use email and calls, while others may text you. This can make a difference when it comes to deciding who you want to work with.

Interview Agents

Once you have your list of needs written down, you can start interviewing agents. Take the time to talk to multiple agents, even if the first one is great. Think about this step like you would a job interview; you need to be sure you and the agent will work well together.

The agent shouldn't be pushy or rush through the initial conversation. This interview will give you the opportunity to ask them about their background and qualifications. You will be patiently working with this person for months; you need to ensure your personalities don't clash too much.

Request References

While it may not seem like a pressing step, asking for references is crucial. Once you have them be sure to follow up.

It's likely the references will have a lot of positive things to say. However, take the time to ask some questions. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask.

• What's something you wish the agent had done differently during the process

• Were there any issues and how did the agent handle them

• Will you hire them again in the future

Read Your Contract

It's important to read the contract before you sign it. You need to look at the commission numbers. Typically, it's paid by the seller and it's around 6%, but it's important information to know.

Another piece that you need to look at is the length. If it turns out the agent isn't as good as you thought, you don't want to be stuck working with them for a year or more.

The best timeline is six months. This will give your agent enough time to find some potential house and you can always resign with them if it takes longer and you enjoy working with them.

Finding A Top Agent

Buying and selling a home in California can be a stressful process, but the right agent will make it easier. Finding an agent that is easy to talk to and honest is key.

Take your time and follow the steps above and you'll find a top agent to work with. You don't have to navigate the housing market alone.

If you are ready to start looking for your dream home, give us a call. We have a team of professionals that are knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have.