Choosing a Realtor
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
After recently buying one home and selling another, I know from experience it pays to find a GOOD realtor before you start the process! Ask your friends if they have used a realtor lately that they were happy with. Ask neighbors, and look for a realtor who has been helping clients buy and sell homes for several years. Also, ask yourself what you expect from your realtor, and how much you expect them to do for you.
What Makes a Good Realtor?
What makes a good realtor? In one word, experience. In today's marketplace, many areas are seeing unprecedented sales growth. Home prices rise practically every day. You need a realtor who knows the in's and out's of the marketplace, and knows how to find the best house for your specific needs.
A newly licensed realtor may be hungry for your business, but they may not have the experience you need when the going gets tough, and in today's market, trust me, it will get tough. Look for a realtor who has done business in your area for at least five years, and knows the specific neighborhood you're interested in. Many realtors specialize in specific neighborhoods, and know every house on the market in that area. That's your realtor.
Are They Licensed?
It goes without saying that your realtor needs to be licensed by the state, but even more, find out if they are members of the local Realtors' Board. Ask for a list of satisfied clients, and call them. Find out if there was anything the realtor missed, or did not represent effectively. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a realtor, but make sure they know the area you're interested in, or can help you find the right area with the right amenities you're looking for.
What Other Services do They Provide?
Our realtor was networked with other realtors in town, so that helped us find the house we finally bought. She networked with another colleague to let us see the home before it "officially" went on the market, and we snapped it up. Does your realtor have contacts like this that can help in your home search? Find out.
In addition, our realtor came to the home we were selling, and helped us "stage" it for market. She told us what we needed to do cosmetically to make the house more valuable, and because of her help, we got more money for the house when it sold. Find out if your realtor will help you with these little extras.
If your realtor doesn't seem like a good fit, or isn't really listening to what you are looking for, look for one who does. Your home is the largest investment you will make in your life, so finding the right realtor is an important and vital consideration. A good, experienced realtor can make your home-buying dreams come true, while a poor, inexperienced realtor can turn your dreams into a nightmare. Buying a new home is stressful enough – make sure your realtor doesn't add to the stress.
