How to Choose the Right Realtor - 5 Things to Consider.
I really debated on whether this article should be about choosing a "Good" Realtor vs. choosing the "Right" Realtor. I think that both are subjective but the right Realtor sounds like something that's more aligned. Sort of like gloves, the Right gloves are the gloves that fit best and feel the most comfortable.
As I move into this post, I want to reiterate that not all Realtors are alike. I know that there are many companies out there that are attempting to turn us into commodities, but it just isn't true. Just like not all Attorneys, Doctors, Dentists, Car Shops, etc. are the same, neither are Realtors. I'm sure you can even reflect on your own profession and are aware of how you stand out among your peers. So, keep this in mind when you're considering a Realtor to help you with your Real Estate needs. The right Realtor makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
1) I would say, that first and foremost, the Right Realtor will be someone you feel you can talk to and trust. There are two reasons for this. First, the more open you can be, the better your Realtor can serve your needs. If you feel like you have to hold your cards close to the vest, then you're working with the wrong Realtor. And secondly, there is nothing more important than being heard. I can't recount how many times I've worked with clients after they had already had an experience with a previous Realtor and the first thing they say is "wow, you really heard what I had to say." It makes a difference when you feel like the chances of getting what you want and need might actually happen. Your stress level will diminish significantly.
2) You want your Realtor to be available. Determine how that looks to you. Does that mean you need them to be available after hours? Early in the morning? Do you want your calls answered and/or returned the same day? I had a client that worked for a consulting firm. She never knew from day to day what her schedule would be and she needed a Realtor who would at least do everything possible to show her property on a moment's notice. Sometimes, I could get about 2-3 hours advance notice. I remember she really wanted to see something on the 4th of July, so I made arrangements to make it happen. She ended up putting in an offer and purchasing that home.
3) A Realtor should be resourceful. Realtors have a lot of tools available to them, both on a local and national level that help us provide good information to our clients. This is vital when trying to determine at what price to list a home or in determining how much to offer a home. You might want to consider how important it is that your Realtor be resourceful and that they tap into all those resources. When listing your home, it helps if your Realtor has really good marketing resources.
4) Consider a Realtor's approach to professional development. Realtors are required to keep their licenses current, most of those classes are centered around legal and ethical standards in our business. But there are a lot of other very good classes Realtors can take to improve their negotiation skills and marketing skills. There are classes that teach them how to maximize the tools that are available to them in order to better serve clients. You can research a Realtor to see what education courses they've pursued by going here: TREC.
5) And, finally, Google the Realtor you're considering. See what other people are saying about them. You can oftentimes determine from reviews if a Realtor would be the right fit for you.
If you take the time and put in a little work, you can find the Right Realtor to help you reach your Real Estate goals. If you have any questions about my services, I would be more than happy to respond. I am never too busy for your questions.
