Whether you’re buying or selling a home, having a real estate agent can make all the difference in the process. Not only can they help you get the best deal, but they can advise you on several aspects of home buying and selling so that your transaction is smooth, seamless, and a lot less stressful.
Part of that comes in choosing the best agent, of course. With so many different options out there today, it can be intimidating to try to sort it out on your own. If you don’t know someone who knows someone, or even if you just want to do your own research, here’s what you need to know.
The Hoh Family in Montgomery, Ohio worked with Bob Hines of Oyler Hines, Coldwell Banker
What Makes the Best Cincinnati Real Estate Agents?
The top real estate agents usually aren’t hard to find once you start looking. They will be the agents with the most experience, the most closed deals, the most referrals, and probably have really high ratings on their google business profile.
Of course, there are a lot of other qualities that you can look for when choosing your realtor. We’ll cover those in more detail below. For now, start your search by looking for things like:
- Reviews
- Testimonials
- Ratings
Five Characteristics of the Top Real Estate Agents
Although there are several things that you might include on your list when searching for a realtor, here are five must-have characteristics you’ll want to consider.
Honesty and Transparency
Buying or selling a home is a big experience. Having a real estate professional on your side can make all the difference. They know the process and how to help you navigate the real estate market. They will answer all of your questions and help with everything from open houses to listing prices and guarantee that you get the deal you deserve.
Experience and Expertise
If you want the best service from a realtor, look for someone with experience and expertise in the Cincinnati Real Estate market specifically. You’ll find plenty of agents in Cincinnati, OH, that work with potential buyers and home sellers on all kinds of transactions. Take advantage of these resources.
Tenacity
Whether you are looking to buy or sell, you need a real estate agent that is tenacious and determined. They should be willing to do whatever it takes to help you get your deal done and constantly working to help with your search for the perfect house. The top performing agents are the ones that are determined and driven to get results for each client.
Local Knowledge
Whether you need a listing agent or buyer representation, your realtor should have plenty of knowledge of the local market, including zip codes, single-family homes and investment properties, new construction and existing homes, and other elements.
Ethics and Professionalism
Agents should provide their clients with a certain level of professionalism as they go through the real estate process. Home buyers and sellers alike should feel confident that they are working with someone who is ethical, respectable, and professional in all that they do.
Brice Allen, Licensed Agent for Oyler Hines, shows a client a property in Cincinnati.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Charge in Cincinnati?
Depending on whether they’re a listing agent or a buyer’s agent, realtors in Cincinnati will usually charge between 3% and 6% commission when they offer services to clients.
These professionals may have different rates for different types of transactions or services. You may also pay additional fees if you use a brokerage, but that depends on the sale and the involved fees.
Are Real Estate Commissions Negotiable in Ohio?
Commissions are always negotiable. This will vary from one transaction to the next, but it’s often one of the easiest concessions to make in a transaction. If you make brokers drop their commission as a contingency of the deal, it might save you a lot of money.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Agents
How many licensed real estate agents are in Ohio?
There are approximately 35,700 agents licensed in Ohio as of 2023. These realtors are able to buy and sell homes throughout the state, although most focus on a particular region or city, such as Cincinnati or the entire Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region.
Is it hard to become a real estate agent in Ohio?
It’s not too difficult to get into the real estate industry in Ohio. You simply need to complete 120 hours of pre-licensing education and pass all of the final exams with a 70%+ score. Then, you need to choose one of the real estate agencies that can sponsor you as a new realtor. Some people choose a broker and then get educated through the broker’s training program, so that’s an option, as well.
After all training and education is complete, you can then complete the application for a real estate license. This will require fingerprints and a background check for final issuance. You will also need to pass the Ohio licensing exam and then keep up with continuing education over the years to maintain your license.
Who is the best real estate agent in Cincinnati?
There are several different options for Cincinnati real estate agents. Depending on whether you’re buying or looking to sell a house, you’ll have a different choice of top agent lists to help in your search.
The top agents for buyers in Cincinnati include the OylerHines Group, Alex Schafers, and Jessica Bauer. Top listing agents in the city include, the OylerHines Group, Jason Bowman, Michael Hinckley, and Ron and Anna Bisher. You can also check the National Association of Realtors for verified agents in Cincinnati.
With a little research, you’ll be confident that you make the best decisions on who to contact and which listings you want to see in Cincinnati, no matter which community you want to call home.
