The California Bureau of Real Estate’s (CalBRE) latest report (as of the writing of this article) shows that there are over 400,000 licensed real estate brokers and salespersons in California. That’s a lot to choose from. Even Ventura County has an abundance of realtors. How to find a real estate agent in Oxnard – the right agent for you, that is – can be a challenge. But if you know the right questions to ask, your odds of finding the best real estate agent that fits your needs will be a lot better. If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Oxnard, feel free to reach out to Ventura County Homes By Ainslee by filling out one of the forms on this page, by email at AinsleeCharles@Gmail.com, or by call/text to 805-232-8503.
1. How Many Clients Do You Currently Have? What is your Buyer-to-Seller Ratio?
Figuring out how to find a real estate agent in Oxnard should begin with determining if he/she has the time and resources to accommodate you as a client. Some agents may have too many clients and may not be able to give you the time and attention that you deserve. If you choose to work with a realtor that does have a lot of clients, you should ask how he/she plans to find the time to give you the attention you need. Some large-volume agents have team members or assistants who can help out as needed. Others may be a one person show, which may or may not be what you are looking for.
Along with how many clients the real estate agent has, you also want to find out what their ratio of buyers to sellers is. Some realtors only work with buyers or sellers, which is perfectly fine. If you find a real estate agent that works with both sides, this person can bring a comprehensive understanding of real estate transactions. This can be especially useful if you are looking to sell your current home and buy another house right away. In this case, you can use the same agent for both transactions and hopefully streamline the process.
2. What is Your Average Ratio of List Price to Sales Price?
The answer to this question will be dependent on the state of the real estate market at the time, but it’s also a good indicator of the knowledge and expertise of the realtor. If you are listing your home, you would want a listing agent whose average sales price is right around the listing price. If you are working with a buyer-agent, you want the sales price to be lower than the list price, meaning they negotiated a better deal on your behalf.
3. What is Your Marketing Strategy?
If you are selling your Oxnard home, you want to work with a real estate agent who has a definite, well-laid-out marketing strategy. This needs to encompass more than just putting a for-sale sign in your the front yard. Here are some examples of some of the questions you should be asking the realtor:
- What will you do to help sell my home as quickly as possible, for top dollar?
- On which online- and traditional-advertising venues do you advertise?
- Do you use social media marketing?
- Do you provide photography services, and if so, how do you use the photos in your marketing efforts?
- Will you hold open houses?
4. Can You Help Me Find Other Local Real Estate Professionals?
Your realtor is not the only real estate professional that you will be working with during the house selling/buying process. A good real estate agent will be able to connect you with other professionals that they have used in the past and trust. Examples include general contractors, escrow companies, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, title companies, etc. If you are not comfortable with their recommendations for whatever reason, please remember that the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, states that you have the right to choose whomever you want to work with.
Hopefully this post alleviates some of your fears about how to find a real estate agent in Oxnard. Just remember to ask the right questions, and you’ll be well on your way to having the agent you want and need.