How to Choose the Right Realtor for You

Real Estate

How to Choose the Right Realtor for You

Choosing the right Realtor can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home. From their market expertise to negotiation and communication skills, a good real estate professional can make a transaction seamless and rewarding for all parties.

Experience with the local market is critical, including the area and price range you’re interested in. The agent should be familiar with the homes for sale, demographics, schools, and neighborhood amenities.

Negotiation skills are also a key attribute of a good real estate agent. They should be able to assist with property inspections and provide advice for improvements and repairs. You should also always use a full-time Realtor. Part-time agents may have limited experience and less knowledge about the market.

Communication skills are critical in a good seller’s agent, as they will be the communication between you and the potential buyer or buyer’s agent. In addition, market expertise not only helps with pricing your home, it also helps when trying to make your home visible to potential buyers through the MLS, for-sale signs, internet advertising, etc.

A good track record is important. Don’t be hesitant to request the asking and sales price for their past home sales, especially for homes that are similar to yours.

Make sure your agent has time for you. It they are a top producer, do they have an assistant to help serve numerous clients? Also, make sure you agent is familiar with the areas you most desire. Find someone who works both in and around your main area of interest.

Working with a team can have many benefits, but the relationship you have with the other members should be clarified from the get-go. Within a team, its members will have a wider level of experience and you will often find that one has more intimate knowledge of specific situations than another.

Are you a long-term investor, first-time homebuyer, house flipper, or selling an estate? These are just a few of the unique scenarios you may find yourself in and you don’t want an agent who has little to no experience in your specific area.

An experienced agent will have developed trusted relationships with other industry professionals over a long period of time. From lenders and title companies to contractors and inspectors, your agent should be able to refer you to multiple sources so you can ultimately determine who works best for you.

Finding an agent who will sell your home using a range of marketing tools to get you the best deal possible in a reasonable amount of time, all while charging a fair rate, takes some effort. Interview at least three candidates before you sign a contract.