Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or prospective tenant in Boston, you know that the city has one of the most competitive and dynamic housing markets in the country. This can make finding, or selling, a home more difficult if you don’t have the right tools and resources at your disposal. That’s where a Boston real estate agent comes in- to provide you with all of the information and support that you’ll need to thrive in a competitive market.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete overview of the role of real estate agents, as well as what to look for in an agent, and what you can expect from them.
What is the Role of a Boston Real Estate Agent?
The role of a Boston real estate agent is to serve as a key guide in the Boston real estate market. You should look for agents that have access to the right resources, technology, and listings. You want to work with agents that have massive real time contact databases and access to exclusive real-estate information. You will want to devote time to agents that aren’t afraid to call around and help you find that hard to source property.
Providing Boston real estate market insights
One of the main roles of a Boston real estate agent is to provide their clients with valuable insights into the local real estate market. The best real estate agencies have access to real-time market data and insight into trends that are not readily available to the public or other brokerages. This allows them to provide their clients with a more thorough understanding of the city’s real estate market conditions, giving clients a better understanding of their options and competition whether they’re looking for a Boston apartment or a Boston home. For sellers, the advantage lies in accurately pricing their property so they are maximizing their returns but also able to sell their property quickly.
These market insights include neighborhood average prices, real-time availability and vacancy rates, among other metrics that are key in navigating Boston’s competitive market. Offices powered by Boston Pads have access to the largest real- time rental database in all of Massachusetts, and therefore the best real- time data. This is useful for renters of course, but is also particularly helpful for property owners that want to know how to maximize their investments.
Exclusive Boston Apartments
The best real estate agencies also have access to exclusive properties. The real- time vacancy rate (RTVR) in Greater Boston is 0.49%– meaning less than half of 1% of all properties are currently vacant! For renters looking for Boston apartments in a market this tight, it makes sense to start looking early and work with an agent that can show them the most properties. The best Boston apartments are sometimes rented within 24 hours, so finding an agent with incredible communication skills is important.
You can also sign up at BostonPads.com for real- time updates- whenever an apartment goes on market that meets your criteria, you’ll be instantly notified. You can find the registration button in the upper right hand corner.
Negotiating deals
Real estate agents in Boston are also artful negotiators; especially if they’ve been properly trained. They’ll make sure to get you the best deal possible because they understand the market and what the true value of a specific Boston apartment is. You can ask your agent to negotiate on your behalf, as well as ask them for tips and advice on the negotiating process, such as how to make counteroffers. This is especially true when you are a qualified client with a great credit score and rental history, and if the agent/ their team has a history of bringing this landlord great tenants. In these cases, one of the most common deals made for a great potential tenant is to drop either last month’s rent or the security deposit.
However, you should keep in mind that 2023 has seen a very competitive rental market, so negotiating may not be in your best interest if you really want the apartment. Bidding wars for rentals are becoming more common in certain parts of the city, so keep this in mind and trust your agent’s advice.
What to Look for in a Boston Real Estate Agent
When looking for a real estate agent, here are a few things you should consider:
Experience
Experience is essential in the real estate industry; working with an agent who has a good track-record in the Boston real estate market can help you rent your Boston apartment or sell/ buy your home more efficiently. Your agent’s experience will help you understand the market better, and ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Local knowledge
Though Boston is a relatively small city, its many neighborhoods are very distinct from one another, which means that you should look for an agent with experience in your area of interest. You can look online to see whether there are agents that have a strong track record of helping clients in your area so that you get the best possible service. Look for companies with the most Google reviews, and look to see if they mention your neighborhood!
We Partner with the Top Boston Real Estate Agents
In short, real estate agents in Boston can be invaluable in a competitive market. They are highly trained professionals that can save you time, money and frustration by taking the pressure off you when it comes to research, and they will help grant you peace of mind. Contact us today to connect with a specialist for your situation- simply let us know whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or sell real estate and what areas you’re interested in. We look forward to working with you!
Andrew Pitsios
Published May 25, 2023
