Living in Boston provides countless opportunities for adventure and exploration into our country’s rich history. This historical city is one of the oldest in America and maintains old-world European charm.
If you are planning on selling your Boston luxury condo, you’re in luck! The area has plenty of appeal for buyers, thanks to its strong job market, world-class universities, high-end restaurants, top-tier shopping spots, and exquisite examples of culture and art sprinkled throughout the city. From the winding alleys of the North End to the historic buildings and churches in Beacon Hill to the beautiful brownstone townhomes in the South End and Back Bay, Boston is a stunning city to live in, no matter which neighborhood you choose.
When aiming to buy or sell a home in the Boston area, it’s best to team up with a great real estate agent who is well-versed in all that the area has to offer. Choosing a real estate agent to help you on your journey is an important step, and you may have many questions to ensure you work with the right one. This expert guide will walk you through how to find a real estate agent and what to look out for.
The basics
As you’re getting started, you’ll need to know the basics about real estate transactions, what a real estate agent does, and some basic terminology. Here’s a quick overview.
Real estate agent vs. broker
A real estate agent is a professional in the field who can help clients buy and sell homes. They are experienced in the market and can educate their clients on the real estate process and market trends. They will be by your side every step of the way, guiding you through the process.
A real estate broker is highly knowledgeable; they have undergone additional training to pass a state certification exam and receive a broker license. This license allows the broker to work both independently or with a team and to manage other real estate agents in a brokerage.
Realtor vs. real estate agent
Not all real estate agents are Realtors. Realtors are licensed professionals with additional training and certification required by the National Association of Realtors. Realtors are held to the highest standards of ethics and must respect national and state laws around real estate transactions.
Buyer’s agent vs. listing agents
A buyer’s agent is a real estate agent who helps buyers find their dream home, make an offer, and negotiate. The listing agent helps the seller prepare their home for sale with staging and other steps, creates a captivating listing, and plans marketing events like open houses and private home showings.
How to find a real estate agent
Finding a great real estate agent is essential to getting the best deal possible in your real estate transaction. Read on for a few easy questions to ask to ensure you’re choosing the right real estate agent for your needs. After all, you want someone in your corner who is professional, highly skilled, and attentive.
What is their experience?
Just like any other career, having more experience is better. Real estate agents with extensive experience are more likely to anticipate challenges and navigate through them easily to ensure you have the smoothest possible transaction. An experienced agent will also have extensive connections in the area and can provide access to exclusive listings or connect you with the perfect buyers for your home.
If you’re looking for an experienced agent in Boston, look no further than Kiernan Middleman. Kiernan has over 20 years of experience helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals all across Massachusetts. She joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential as a Senior Associate in 2016 and has been making connections and honing her craft ever since.
Do they have assistants who will help me?
Sometimes, real estate agents also work with assistants who help them with the workload. Although this can benefit you by having additional access to services, you want to ensure that you will primarily be working with the agent and not their assistants. The agent should be able to make time for you and clearly listen to your concerns and goals. It may not be the best fit if you’re only working with assistants and can rarely get in touch with your agent.
How much commission do they expect?
Your agent’s commission is an important part of your closing costs. Usually, the seller pays the real estate commission, which is generally 5% to 6% of the total selling price. It’s important to be aware of these costs ahead of time so that you can plan for them in your budget.
Do they have positive reviews from past clients?
Having great testimonials is essential, as the end product for the client speaks to your real estate agent’s ability to carry out transactions successfully.
Your real estate agent should have numerous testimonials on their webpage or be able to provide you with reviews upon request. Real estate agents should be backed by a number of clients who are happy with their services, and these clients should also be in a similar market as yourself. For example, if you are shopping for luxury properties, you want to ensure that your real estate agent has excellent reviews for this type of transaction. In addition to perusing the testimonials on their website, be sure to check out reviews on third-party websites as well to get more insight.
In Boston, Kiernan Middleman boasts some of the best testimonials around. Kiernan works tirelessly to make sure her clients always get the best deal possible and that they are satisfied with her work. Kiernan was named the Top Individual Agent at the top Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices office in New England, BHHS Warren Residential, in both 2019 and 2022
Getting started
If you’re ready to make waves on the Boston real estate scene, whether you’re selling a downtown Boston loft or seeking a Back Bay condo, contact luxury property specialist Kiernan Middleman today for the guidance you can count on. With an unmatched dedication to success, tireless work ethic, and insightful knowledge of the Boston area, Kiernan is the agent you want by your side. Reach out today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
